Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail

RC-12 Guardrail
	RC-12N
Role	Signals intelligence aircraft
Manufacturer	Beechcraft
Introduction	1983
Status	Active service
Primary user	United States Army
Developed from	Beechcraft C-12 Huron

The Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail is an airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection platform based on the Beechcraft King Air and Super King Air. While the US military and specifically the United States Army have numerous personnel transport variants of the King Air platforms referred to with the general C-12 designation, the RC-12 specification refers to a heavily modified platform that collects SIGINT through various sensors and onboard processors.

Design and development

The US Army Guardrail platform has been in service since 1971.^[1] Prior to the early 1980s, the early Guardrail variants were based on the U-21. After adopting the C-12 platform over the U-21, the Guardrail platform has received structural, power plant, and equipment upgrades as noted by the various models described below.

Initially, the US Army had 13 RC-12Ds converted from C-12Ds, with deliveries starting in mid-1983. One aircraft was assigned to US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) at Fort McPherson, Georgia, and the remainder to the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion at Wiesbaden, Germany, and the 2nd Military Intelligence Battalion at Stuttgart, Germany. The German-based aircraft were re-assigned in late 1991 to 3rd, 15th and 304th Military Intelligence Battalions at Camp Humphreys (South Korea), Fort Hood (Texas) and Fort Huachuca (Arizona) respectively. One was converted back to an earlier configuration as C-12D-1.^[2]

The next model was the RC-12G. Three RC-12G were delivered in 1985 after conversion from C-12D airframes. These aircraft served in Latin America and then with the 138th Military Intelligence Company (Aerial Exploitation) in Orlando, Florida, before being moved into storage at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.^[2]

After the RC-12G, the next model was the RC-12H. The initial system contractor ESL Inc. delivered 6 RC-12H in 1988 for the 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion at Camp Humphreys in Pyongtaek, South Korea.^[2]

The next model was the RC-12K, after the RC-12H. The US Army ordered nine RC-12Ks in October 1985, of which eight replaced RC-12Ds in the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion in May 1991. One of these was lost in an accident. The ninth US Army aircraft was retained by the contractor, Raytheon, for conversion to the planned RC-12N configuration. An additional 2 RC-12K aircraft were delivered to Israel in May–June 1991.^[2]

The prototype RC-12N was converted from an RC-12K. A total of 15 were converted by E-Systems and delivered 1992-93 to the 224th Military Intelligence Battalion at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia and the 304th Military Intelligence Battalion at Libby Army Airfield, Fort Huachuca, Arizona. One of these was lost in accident.^[2]

These led to the next model, the RC-12P. A total of 9 RC-12P aircraft were delivered to ESL/TRW at Moffett Federal Airfield in late 1994 and 1995. These airframes remained there in 1999.^[2]

Three RC-12Ps were then modified by Raytheon and TRW to become RC-12Q. They were transferred to TRW in 1996 for outfitting, where they remained in 1999. The aircraft featured a prominent dorsal radome housing a satellite communications antenna.^[2]

The RC-12 in various versions to include the newest RC-12X and RC-12X+ have seen deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As of July 2012, Northrop Grumman announced that its RC-12X Guardrails had completed over 1,000 missions since going into theatre in 2011.^[3] Recent upgrades and force realignments have seen these newest models replace older variants in Korea.

A 2017 $462 million RC-12X program, ^[4] by Northrop Grumman, will upgrade all aircraft in the Army's RC-12 fleet to the RC-12X standard, replacing or upgrading all older variants. The Guardrail Modernization program extends the life of the aircraft to 2025 and introduces new payloads to the system with enhanced capabilities. The program enhances the sustainability of the RC-12X through commonality, a new glass cockpit, structural upgrades, and significant hardware and software improvements.^[5]

Description

The newest Guardrail variant, the Guardrail Common Sensor (GR/CS), also called the RC-12X or RC-12X+, is a "fixed-wing, airborne, SIGINT-collection and precision targeting location system. It collects low-, mid- and high-band radio signals and ELINT signals, identifies and classifies them, determines source location, and provides near-real-time reporting. GR/CS uses a Guardrail Mission Operations Facility (MOF) for the control, data processing and message center for the system.”^[6]

Variants

The RC-12D aircraft used in the Improved Guardrail V system were based on the King Air Model A200CT. This US Army Special Electronic Mission version carried the AN/USD-9 Improved Guardrail V remote-controlled communications intercept and direction-finding system. Associated ground equipment included the AN/TSQ-105(V)4 integrated processing facility, AN/ARM-63(V)4 AGE flightline van and AN/TSC-87 tactical commander's terminal. Five new-build RC-12D-like aircraft were sold to Israel for 191 Squadron at Sde Dov. These aircraft were referred to either as RC-12D-FW or FWC-12D, with the FW reportedly being an abbreviation for "Field Wind," possibly a codeword for Israeli specific equipment fitted to the aircraft. The codeword "Big Apple" was related to these aircraft.^[2]
The RC-12G, used for the Crazy Horse system, was a US Army Special Electronic Mission aircraft based on the King Air A200CT. Generally similar to RC-12D, the maximum takeoff weight was increased to 6,800 kilograms (15,000 pounds).^[2]
The RC-12H aircraft used for Guardrail/Common Sensor System 3 (Minus) was a US Army Special Electronic Mission aircraft that was generally similar to the RC-12D, though with the maximum takeoff weight increased to 6,800 kilograms (15,000 pounds).^[2]
The RC-12K aircraft used for Guardrail/Common Sensor System 4 was similar to RC-12H, but with a more powerful 1,100 shp (820 kW) PT6A-67 turboprop engine and a maximum takeoff weight increased to 7,250 kilograms (16,000 pounds).^[2]
The RC-12N aircraft used in Guardrail/Common Sensor System 1 was generally similar to the RC-12K, though with a 7,350 kilogram (16,200 pound) maximum takeoff weight, and equipped with dual EFIS and aircraft survivability equipment/avionics control system (ASE/ACS). The prototype RC-12N was converted from an RC-12K.^[2]

The RC-12P aircraft used in Guardrail/Common Sensor System 2 had the same avionics and power plant as the RC-12N, though with different mission equipment (including datalink capability), fibre optic cabling, and smaller and lighter wing pods. The maximum takeoff weight was increased to 7,480 kilograms (16,500 pounds).^[2]

The RC-12Q aircraft, referred to as the Direct Air Satellite Relay, consisted of 3 RC-12Ps modified by Raytheon and TRW to act as 'mother ships' to expand the RC-12P's operational area outside satellite 'footprints.' The airframes were transferred to TRW in 1996 for outfitting, where they remained in 1999. The aircraft featured a prominent dorsal radome housing a satellite communications antenna.^[2]
The RC-12X aircraft was a further improved RC-12 for use with the GRCS, which included expanded frequency ranges, a capability to locate signals in both stand-off and stand-in modes, and an adaptive beam-forming antenna array that is capable of locating emitters in the dense signal environments.^[2]
The RC-12X+ was a further improvement on the RC-12X and represents the latest variant of the system currently fielded as of 2016.^[7]

Incidents and accidents

On 16 April 1997, the 224th Military Intelligence Battalion lost an RC-12N and 2 crew members in a fatal training accident. The following year on 6 November 1998, the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion lost a RC-12K and 2 crew members in a similar training accident.

In both accidents, the United States Army Safety Center Accident Boards listed in their recommendations to TRADOC to 'Re-evaluate the ATM Tasks for stalls, slow flight and VMC.' In February 1999, Commanding General, USAIC and FH, Major General John D. Thomas, sent a senior standardization instructor pilot and the 305th Military Intelligence Battalion Safety Officer to USAAVNC to review the RC-12K Accident Board findings to determine if training was a contributing factor. They recommended to Major General Thomas that the TC 1-219, Tasks for Slow Flight, Stalls and VMC, be rewritten.^[2]

Specifications (RC-12H)

Data from operating manual ^[8]

General characteristics

Length: 43 ft 9 in (13.34 m)
Wingspan: 58 ft 6 in (17.83 m)
Height: 14 ft 8 in (4.47 m)
Empty weight: 11,500 lb (5,216 kg) (zero fuel weight)
Gross weight: 15,090 lb (6,845 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 15,000 lb (6,804 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-41 turboprop engines, 850 shp (630 kW) each
Propellers: 3-bladed constant-speed propellers

Performance

References

^ "Guardrail – RC-12X". Northrop Grumman. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p Pike, John. "RC-12 Huron Special Electronic Mission Aircraft". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
^ "The USAs RC-12X Guardrail SIGINT Modernization". Defense Industry Daily. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
^ "Northrop Grumman Wins $750M Contract to Perform Upgrades, Modernization and Integration on the US Army's Fixed Wing Airborne ISR Fleet". Northrop Grumman Newsroom. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
^ "U.S. Army to Fields RC-12X SIGINT Aircraft | Defense Update". defense-update.com. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
^ "Guardrail Common Sensor (GR/CS)". USAASC. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
^ "Army issues RFI for ELINT on Guardrail RC-12X+". Intelligence Community News. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
^ "Operator's Manual for Army RC-12H Aircraft". Google books. Headquarters, Department of the Army. 9 March 1991. Retrieved 8 January 2023.

External links

US Army Official GR/CS Platform Page: http://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/guardrail-common-sensor-grcs/ Archived 15 March 2022 at the Wayback Machine

This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.

[1] "Guardrail – RC-12X". Northrop Grumman. Retrieved 3 July 2017.

[:0-2] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p Pike, John. "RC-12 Huron Special Electronic Mission Aircraft". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 3 July 2017.

[3] "The USAs RC-12X Guardrail SIGINT Modernization". Defense Industry Daily. Retrieved 3 July 2017.

[4] "Northrop Grumman Wins $750M Contract to Perform Upgrades, Modernization and Integration on the US Army's Fixed Wing Airborne ISR Fleet". Northrop Grumman Newsroom. Retrieved 23 March 2022.

[5] "U.S. Army to Fields RC-12X SIGINT Aircraft | Defense Update". defense-update.com. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2017.

[6] "Guardrail Common Sensor (GR/CS)". USAASC. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2017.

[7] "Army issues RFI for ELINT on Guardrail RC-12X+". Intelligence Community News. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 4 July 2017.

[8] "Operator's Manual for Army RC-12H Aircraft". Google books. Headquarters, Department of the Army. 9 March 1991. Retrieved 8 January 2023.

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v t e Beechcraft King Air family
Model numbers	50 65 -90 70 80 87 88 90 99 100 A100-1 120 200 250 260 300 350 360 1300 1900 PD 290
Civilian	Airliner (I) Airliner (II) Airliner (III) Commuter 99 King Air 200/300 ExecLiner Twin Bonanza Queen Air Super King Air Excalibur
Military	C-6 C-12 RC-12 L-23 T-44 T-54 U-8 U-21 RU-21J
Topics	Accidents and incidents Super King Air Model 99 Model 1900 Operators Model 99

v t e Beechcraft, Raytheon and Hawker Beechcraft aircraft
Model Numbers	16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 28 33 34 35 36 38 40 45 46 50 55 56 58 60 65 70 73 76 77 80 85 87 88 90 95 99 100 A100-1 101 120 200 220 300 350 360 390 400 997 999 1001 1013 1019 1025 1070 1072 1074 1079 1080 1088 1089 1094 1095 1098 1100 1101 1102 1103 1104 1105 1107 1108 1300 1900 2000 3000
Names	Airliner (1) Airliner (2) Airliner (3) Baron Beechjet Bonanza Cochise Debonair Denali Duchess Duke Expeditor Grizzly Huron Jayhawk Jet Mentor Kansan King Air (1) King Air (2) Lightning Mentor Musketeer (1) Musketeer (2 - CAF) Navigator Pegasus Premier I Queen Air Queen Airliner Seminole Sierra Skipper Staggerwing Starship Sundowner Super King Air Texan II Travel Air Traveler Twin Beech Twin Bonanza Twin-Quad Ute Voyager Wichita
Military designations	XA-38 AT-7 AT-10 AT-11 C-43 C-45 C-6 C-12 F-2 L-23 RC-12 T-1 T-6 T-34 XT-36 T-42 T-44 U-8 U-21 GB JB JRB SNB CT-128 CT-134 CT-145 CT-156
Drones	QU-22 AQM-37 MQM-61A MQM-107
Hawker business jets	Hawker 200 Hawker 400XP Hawker 750 / 800 / 800XP / 850XP / 900XP series Hawker 1000 Hawker 4000

v t e United States military transport aircraft designations, Army/Air Force and Tri-Service systems
Army/Air Force sequence (1925–1962)	C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7 C-8 C-9 C-10 C-11 C-12 C-13¹ C-14 C-15 C-16 C-17 C-18 C-19 C-20 C-21 C-22 C-23 C-24 C-25 C-26 C-27 C-28 C-29 C-30 C-31 C-32 C-33 C-34 C-35 C-36 C-37 C-38 C-39 C-40 C-41 C-41A C-42 C-43 C-44 C-45 C-46 C-47 C-47F C-47T AC-47 C-48 C-49 C-50 C-51 C-52 C-53 C-54 C-55 C-56 C-57 C-58 C-59 C-60 C-61 C-62 C-63 C-64 C-65 C-66 C-67 C-68 C-69 C-70 C-70B C-71 C-72 C-73 C-74 C-75 C-76 C-77 C-77B–D C-78 C-79 C-80 C-81 C-82 C-83 C-83A C-83B C-84 C-85 C-86 C-87 C-88 C-89 C-90 C-91 C-92 C-93 C-94 C-95 C-96 C-97 KC-97 C-98 C-99 C-100 C-101 C-102 C-103 C-104 C-105 C-106 C-107 C-108 C-109 C-110 C-111 C-112 C-113 C-114 C-115 C-116 C-117 C-117D C-118 C-119 AC-119 C-120 C-121 C-121F EC-121 C-122 C-123 C-123A C-124 C-125 C-126 C-127² C-127 (I) C-127 (II) C-128 C-129 C-130 C-130J AC-130 DC-130 EC-130/H HC-130 KC-130 LC-130 MC-130 WC-130 C-131 NC-131H C-132 C-133 C-134 C-135 KC-135 C-136 C-137² YC-137 (I) YC-137 (II) C-137 C-138¹ C-139¹ C-140 C-141 C-142
Tri-service sequence (1962–present)	C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7² C-7 RC-7 C-8 C-9 C-10² C-10 KC-10 C-11 C-12 RC-12 C-13¹ C-14 C-15 C-16¹ C-17 C-18 C-19 C-20² C-20A–D C-20F–J C-21 C-22 C-23 C-24 C-25 C-26 C-27 C-27J C-28 C-29 C-30¹ C-31 C-32 C-33 C-34¹ C-35 C-36³ C-37 C-37B C-38 C-39¹ C-40 C-41 C-42¹ C-43¹ C-44¹ C-45 C-46
Revived original sequence (2005–present)	C-143 C-144 C-145 C-146 C-147
Non-sequential designations	C-767 C-767B C-880
Related designations	CT-39 CT-43 CV-2 CV-7
¹ Not assigned • ² Assigned to multiple types • ³ Unconfirmed