
Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail | |
|---|---|
| Země | SPOJENÉ STÁTY |
| Třída a typ | Signalizuje výzvědná letadla |
| Stav | Aktivní služba |
| Postaven | Neznámé |
Tá Svodidla Beechcraft RC-12 je inkasní platforma pro inteligenci signálů (SIGINT) založená na letounech Beechcraft King Air a Super King Air. Zatímco americká armáda a konkrétně armáda Spojených států mají četné varianty osobní dopravy platforem King Air s obecným označením C-12, specifikace RC-12 představuje silně upravenou platformu, která usnadňuje sběr SIGINT prostřednictvím různých senzorů a palubních procesorů.
Zdroj: Beechcraft RC-12 Svodidla na Wikipedii
| Beechcraft RC-12N Guardrail Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Vladimir Yakubov |
| Localisation | Nellis Air Force Base |
| Photos | 111 |
Viz také:
General Characteristics and Role
The Beechcraft RC-12N Guardrail is a specialized signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic reconnaissance aircraft used by the United States Army. It is a highly modified version of the commercially successful Beechcraft Super King Air twin-turboprop aircraft. The RC-12 series, collectively known under the “Guardrail” program, is designed to intercept, locate, and classify enemy electronic transmissions, primarily communications (COMINT) and radar (ELINT). The RC-12N is one of the more recent and heavily upgraded variants, featuring enhanced performance engines, improved avionics, and most importantly, a sophisticated suite of antennas and sensors for its signals intelligence mission. The aircraft is easily recognizable by the various antenna fairings, especially the large, canoe-shaped radome beneath the fuselage.
| Property | Typical Value (RC-12N) |
|---|---|
| Roli | Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) / Electronic Reconnaissance |
| National Origin | Spojené státy americké |
| Výrobce | Beechcraft (Airframe) / Various for Systems |
| Basis Aircraft | Beechcraft Super King Air 200 |
| Posádky | 2 Pilots + 2-4 Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Operators |
| Délka | 13.34 m (43 ft 9 in) |
| Rozpětí křídel | 16.61 m (54 ft 6 in) |
| Výška | 4.57 m (15 ft 0 in) |
| Empty Weight | Approx. 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 6,800 kg (15,000 lb) (Approximate operational weight) |
Powerplant and Performance
- Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67 turboprop engines.
- Power Output (Each): 820 kW (1,100 shp).
- Maximum Speed: Approx. 535 km/h (333 mph; 289 kn).
- Cruise Speed: Optimized for loitering speeds necessary for intelligence gathering.
- Range: Typically around 3,200 km (2,000 mi), depending on mission profile.
- Endurance: High endurance (typically 7+ hours) is critical for its reconnaissance role.
Intelligence Systems (Guardrail)
- Primary Mission System: AN/ARW-89(V) Guardrail Common Sensor (CS) system, which is a modular signals intelligence package.
- Function: Highly accurate collection of electronic emissions from ground-based threats (e.g., enemy command posts, communications nodes, radar sites).
- Reconnaissance Method: Aircraft often fly in formations of two or three to use triangulation techniques for precise geo-location of signal emitters.
- Real-Time Data: The collected data is relayed in real-time via satellite or line-of-sight data links to ground processing stations and military commanders.
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