The Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail is a modified version of the twin-turboprop Super King Air and intended for military use. From 1983, the Army used the RC-12 series based on the C-12D Heron. The RC-12K, introduced in 1985, featured more robust engines. The RC-12N was the first edition to be fitted with Guardrail Common Sensor (GRCS) System functionality. The RC-12P featured refined SIGINT capabilities through upgraded GRCS System 2. The RC-12Q featured many of the same specs as the RC-12N and RC-12P, but included a satellite comms antenna in the dorsal radome. The newest model, the RC-12X/X+, is fitted with the most advanced GRCS System in use today, featuring the latest in signal collection technology and onboard processing. After more than 50 years of service, the US Army announced the official retirement of the RC-12 Guardrail, and the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) will replace it.
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What is the Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail?
The Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail is a modified version of the twin-turboprop Super King Air; it was modified for military use and called the RC-12. It is used by the United States Army as a specialized signals intelligence and electronic reconnaissance aircraft. The RC-12 series, known under the "Guardrail" program, is designed to intercept, locate, and classify enemy electronic transmissions, primarily communications (COMINT) and radar (ELINT). The series includes several variants adapted for specific intelligence, reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and surveillance. The RC-12K variant, for example, is a signals intelligence aircraft designed to intercept an adversary's communications.
What are the specifications of the Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail?
The specifications of the Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail are given in the table below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 43 ft |
| Span | 54 ft |
| height | 14 ft |
| Range | 3338 km |
RC12 Guardrail is a reconnaissance plane with a length of 43 ft 9 in (13.34 m). Wingspan is 54 ft 6 in (16.61 m), and height is about 4.6 m (15 ft 0 in). Loaded weight is 16,000 lbs (7,257 kg). Empty weight is approximately 3,500 kg (7,700 lb). RC12 Guardrail has two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67 turboprop engines. Each engine has 1,100 horsepower (820 kW).
Maximum speed is 283 MPH (455 km/h). The service ceiling is 35,000 ft (10,668 m). The range is 2,075 miles (about 3,338 km). Endurance is typically 7+ hours. Cruise speed is optimized for loitering, necessary for intelligence gathering. RC12 Guardrail has fuel tankage of about 272 gallons (about 1030 liters). RC12 has two drop tanks. Each wing-mounted tank has 134 gallons (507.25 liters).
What is the price for the Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail?
The Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail does not have a standard commercial retail price because it is a specialized military intelligence aircraft developed exclusively for the U.S.
Expert behind this article
Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
