BIRD Aerosystems secures Israeli STC to convert King Air 350C for ISR missions

BIRD Aerosystems has received an Israeli CAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the King Air 350C, clearing the platform for sensor, communications and mission-system retrofits to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles. The STC streamlines conversions for military and government operators seeking affordable, turboprop ISR aircraft.

Discovered 2025-09-25T02:56:58.962545-07:00 | 2025-09-25T02:56:58.962545-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

The STC removes a key regulatory hurdle for rapid retrofit and fleet conversions, similar to IAI's 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversion that secured Israeli and FAA STCs.
It broadens affordable ISR fleet options by enabling missionization of a widely used turboprop, in the vein of recent government-focused jet conversions like the Global 6500 ISR prototype modifications.
The approval supports faster sensor and mission-system integration plans and could drive procurement and export opportunities alongside other airborne sensor upgrades, such as recent AESA radar fitment programmes for transport aircraft (Lockheed AESA C-130J work).

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