Fixed Wing

Army, Oct 2004

In addition to the helicopter resources noted above, the Army uses a variety of fixed-wing assets, including the C-12 King Air, which serves as the service's current short-range utility aircraft designed to fill air transportation requirements out to 800 nautical miles (NM). The nondevelopmental aircraft platform provides an efficient all-weather transport for commanders and staff, and low-volume, high-priority parts and equipment. The largest modification program now under way involves the upgrade of 27 C-12F cockpits with newly digitized capabilities.

The RC-12 configuration carries the Guardrail common sensor system and provides standoff communications intelligence (COMINT), electronics intelligence (ELINT), and intercept and location targeting to enhance corps commanders' warfighting capability. In addition, the RC-12 provides national-level targeting information.

The EO-5 Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL) is based on a modified DeHavilland-7 aircraft. The system comes in two configurations: ARL-C (COMINT) with a complete COMINT sensor package, and ARL-M (Multi-INT) that combines both COMINT and imagery capability. There are seven EO-5/ARL systems in service with an eighth in production.

The Army's C-20 and C-37 Citation Long-Range/Executive Transport Jets provide global transport and command and control support to senior executives from the Department of the Army staff, commanders and other high-ranking government officials for flights up to 4,200 NM.

The C-23 Sherpa aircraft provides troop and equipment transport, airdrop and medical evacuation for cargo weighing up to 7,820 pounds. Eight of these aircraft are authorized per theater aviation battalion to provide the commander with the essential ability to move troops and equipment rapidly within the theater of operations. The C-23 can also operate from short, unpaved airfields.

The UC-35A Cessna Citation Ultra/UC35B Encore is an efficient medium-range (800-1,800 NM), all-weather airplane that transports commanders and staffs so that they can perform command, liaison, administration and inspection duties. This aircraft is also used for the movement of high-priority personnel and cargo. Eight , UC-35s are authorized per theater aviation company. FY 2004 funding supports the purchase of one additional aircraft.

The C-26 Fairchild Metro Liner was procured as a cost-effective carrier for high-volume travel routes. The aircraft can carry up to 20 passengers or be used for cargo movement.

The Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) is a new start initiative to replace the C-23. FCA will be a nondevelopmental, strictly commercial off-the-shelf program. The FCA will provide rapid-response cargo transport of soldiers and equipment, airdrop and medical evacuation for cargo weighing up to 18,000 pounds. The FCA will be capable of short take-off and landing (STOL) and also able to operate from unimproved runways.