The Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail is an electronic warfare and intelligence gathering aircraft, which is still in service with the US Army. Introduced in 1983, it was developed from the C-12 Huron transport aircraft, which in turn is based on the Super King Air 200 turboprop transport. Its main mission is to prying into the enemy's signals, using advanced electronic equipment systems. Its fuselage literally bristles with blade-like aerials that pick up signals as it flies sorties over or near enemy territory.
'Guardrail' is the code-name given by the US Army to the communication intelligence (comint) aircraft program dating from the Korean War. In the early days, Guardrail began as an effort to pinpoint enemy's radio transmitters. The first dedicated comint airplane was the RU-21, which was based on the Beech King Air 90. It was operationally throughout the 1960s, flying sorties near the border of North Korea, during the Cold War. Its main mission was to ascertain the location and intentions of the enemy from his radio transmissions.
The Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail is usually equipped with the AN/USD-9-V-2 Guardrail V signals intelligence system. Although up to six systems operators can be accommodated on the aircraft behind the pilots in some configuration, today, this military aircraft generally relies on automation to intercept enemy communications as it often carries no equipment operators at all. The advanced on-board receivers locate, identify, and intercept hostile communications, relaying data through a down link to ground vehicles for analysis. The latest versions of the aircraft are the RC-12K, RC-12N, and RC-12P.
Technical Description
The Beechcraft RC-12 is a twin-engine monoplane of all-metal construction. It is fitted with straight, low wing, with dihedral angle and cantilever structure. The tail plane is also straight and set up on top of the vertical stabilizer (tail fin). The RC-12D variant is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-41 turboprop engines, each of which can deliver 850 horsepower.
Specifications
Type: intelligence gathering airplane.
Length: 13.34 m (43 ft, 9 in)
Wing Span: 17.63 m (57 ft, 10 in)
Wing Area: 28.15 m2 (303 sq. ft)
Height: 4.57 m (15 ft)
Power Plant: two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-41 turboprop engines.
Maximum Speed: 481 km/h (299 mph)
Range: 2,935 km (1,825 miles)
Service Ceiling: 9,420 m (30,900 ft)
Crew: two pilots + systems operators.
Below, the RC-12 in flight in 1985.
The RC-12N variant of the airplane, bristling with all types of antennas.
