Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has delivered its 10th fully integrated Mission Enhancement Kit (MEK) aircraft to the U.S. Army, strengthening the capabilities of the Army’s Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (EMARSS) fleet.
“We are very proud to continue this work in support of the Army and its mission,” said Tim Owings, executive vice president of SNC’s Mission Solutions and Technologies business area. “SNC’s Mission Enhancement Kit is truly game-changing technology. It provides increased safety and enhanced performance and mission capabilities critical to aircraft operating in high-altitude areas.”
The King Air 350 MEK reduces aircraft weight, increases engine performance and significantly reduces the overall sound signature to enhance its stealth capabilities. SNC modifies the aircraft to increase time aloft and allow for increased operating weight without greater take-off risk. It also enables operations on shorter runways, making the aircraft more suitable for a wider variety of operational environments. This provides customers with versatile multi-mission and special mission capabilities, increased aircraft performance and safety.
The Army has procured 16 kits to date and SNC expects to deliver two additional MEK integrated aircraft this year. SNC will continue to perform work covered by this contract from its facilities in Hagerstown, Maryland.
