Tel Aviv: Israeli company BIRD Aerosystems, announced a significant milestone with the certification of a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (CAAI) for the KING AIR 350C platform.
This STC enables comprehensive enhancements tailored to Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and special mission operations, dramatically increasing the aircraft’s versatility and mission readiness.
Key provisions of the certified configuration include centre fuselage hard points capable of supporting payloads of up to 390kg (860lbs), as well as front fuselage hard points supporting up to 100kg (220lbs). The certification also incorporates advanced mission provisions such as four separate GNSS antennas, an AIS/LOS data link antenna, and dedicated cabin wiring for intercom and crossover panels, enabling seamless power and data integration between onboard sensors and operator workstations. These features allow for the integration of a broad range of ISR payloads such as EO/IR sensors, multi-mode radars, and NATO-standard 30” pylons, transforming the KING AIR 350C into a highly adaptable, multi-role platform.
Tal Haloutz, VP Solutions at BIRD Aerosystems, said that the KING AIR 350C STC is another important step in expanding our ASIO portfolio.
”By providing our customers with a flexible, multi-role platform that can be rapidly adapted for ISR and special missions, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for every mission and every challenge,” he said.
BIRD’s ASIO (Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence and Observation) solution is a field-proven, end-to-end ISR system designed for maritime and ground surveillance, search and rescue, patrol, and border protection missions.
Leveraging BIRD’s proprietary MSIS (Mission Management System), ASIO integrates data from a wide range of sensors and communication systems to deliver real-time, accurate intelligence to decision-makers and field operators. Highly customisable and rapidly deployable, ASIO enables even small crews to cover vast geographic areas with enhanced situational awareness and operational efficiency.
According to the company, this latest certification adds to its growing portfolio of certified airborne platforms and reflects the company’s ability to deliver mission-ready solutions across a wide range of aircraft- light planes, turboprops, and jet- for defence and homeland security agencies worldwide.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
