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OtherArmed Forces of Malta accepts fourth Beechcraft King Air 360ER
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The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) has accepted its fourth Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft, following assembly and successful flight testing at Textron Aviation's facilities in Wichita, Kansas. Procured under a 2025 contract, the factory-new aircraft will support maritime patrol operations in the central Mediterranean. After delivery to Aerodata in Braunschweig, Germany, the platform will undergo mission-specific modifications including advanced surveillance systems for roles such as maritime patrol, border security, search and rescue, and law enforcement. The modifications will involve systems integration, certification, and testing based on AFM's operational requirements. The aircraft is expected to enter formal service with the AFM in 2027. The King Air 360ER features increased fuel capacity, higher payload, and longer range, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines with Pro Line Fusion avionics. Textron Aviation highlighted the aircraft's suitability for long-endurance maritime patrol missions across the central Mediterranean.
Source report
The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) has officially accepted its fourth Beechcraft King Air aircraft, following the completion of assembly and successful flight testing at Textron Aviation's facilities in Wichita, Kansas.
Aircraft Details and Procurement
The King Air 360ER is a factory-new aircraft procured by Malta under a 2025 contract. It will support the AFM's maritime patrol operations in the central Mediterranean, adding to the country's existing King Air fleet and maintaining consistency across its aircraft inventory.
Mission-Specific Modifications
After departing Wichita, the aircraft was delivered to Aerodata in Braunschweig, Germany, where it will undergo a comprehensive programme of mission-specific modifications. Aerodata will equip the platform with advanced surveillance and mission systems, adapting the aircraft for:
- Maritime patrol
- Border security
- Search and rescue
- Law enforcement roles
These modifications will include systems integration, certification, and testing based on AFM's operational requirements. The aircraft is expected to enter formal service with the Armed Forces of Malta in 2027.
About the Beechcraft King Air Series
The Beechcraft King Air series has been in production since 1964, with more than 7,900 aircraft delivered and over 66 million flight hours accumulated globally.
The King Air 360ER, an extended-range variant of the King Air 360, features:
- Increased fuel capacity
- Higher payload
- Longer range for long-distance and mission-specific operations
- Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines
- Pro Line Fusion avionics
Industry Comment
Bob Gibbs, Textron Aviation's vice president of special missions sales, said: "The Beechcraft King Air 360ER is exceptionally well suited for maritime patrol missions, offering the range, endurance and reliability required to operate across the central Mediterranean.
"We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the Armed Forces of Malta and to support their mission with another proven King Air platform."
Source
Naval TechnologyNeutral / independent
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Armed Forces of Malta accepts fourth Beechcraft King Air 360ER