Beechcraft King Air 300 MARSS
Beechcraft · United States · first flew 1990 · transport aircraft
The King Air 300 MARSS is a maritime surveillance and reconnaissance variant of the Beechcraft King Air 300, equipped with radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and operator consoles for maritime patrol and exclusive economic zone monitoring.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13.56 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Maritime Airborne Reconnaissance and Surveillance System on King Air 300
- Surveillance radar, EO/IR sensors, and mission consoles installed
- Used by multiple nations for maritime patrol and EEZ monitoring
Based on the King Air 300 — low-wing twin-turboprop with T-tail — distinguished by a surveillance radar radome under the forward fuselage, FLIR turret, and additional antennas characteristic of its maritime mission fit.
Specifications
- The Beechcraft King Air 300 MARSS has a length of 13.56 m (44 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.61 m (54 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 578 km/h (359 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 + mission crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The MARSS mission suite was integrated onto the King Air 300 platform to provide smaller nations with an affordable maritime patrol aircraft capability. The system includes surface search radar, FLIR turret, communications systems, and mission management software.
Variants
MARSS is a mission equipment package applicable to the King Air 300 and related platforms; different operators configure their aircraft with varying sensor fits according to national requirements.
Where you'll see it
Operated by several smaller nations' naval or coastguard air arms for maritime patrol, fisheries protection, and search-and-rescue coordination — a cost-effective alternative to purpose-built maritime patrol aircraft.
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