The US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) has signed a contract with Textron Aviation for its 26th and 27th Beechcraft King Air 350CER turboprop.

“These two multi-role enforcement aircraft aircraft will join a fleet of King Air 350 turboprops used to safeguard the United States as part of the coordinated application of AMO's aviation and maritime law enforcement resources,” says Bob Gibbs, VP of special mission sales. “This represents the third and fourth Beechcraft King Air 350CER ordered for AMO in 2020. We are honoured to provide these aircraft in support AMO's mission of protecting the United States.”

The agency's aircraft are equipped with an array of technology that can be deployed for ground interdiction operations, air-to-air intercept operations and medium-range maritime patrols, including active and passive sensors and an optimised communications suite. The aircraft are operated by skilled crewmembers who employ the mission equipment and coordinate information flow to the ground.

The Beechcraft King Air 350CER aircraft is an extended range version of the King Air 350i twin-engine turboprop aircraft configured with an optional cargo door for enhanced mission flexibility.