The Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail is an airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection platform based on the Beechcraft King Air and Super King Air.

The latest iteration of the Army’s King Air-based ISR platform is the RC-12X and RC-12X+ Guardrail aircraft. Let’s look at the program's history, where it came from, and where it’s headed.

The Beechcraft C-12 Huron is the military designation for a series of twin-engine turboprop aircraft based on the Beechcraft Super King Air and Beechcraft 1900. C-12 variants are used by the United States Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

Dec 13, 2017 · The new RC-12X will feature basic aircraft improvements, via a new glass cockpit and structural upgrades. Its core improvements, however, will involve sensors, electronics, and software.

The Beechcraft RC-12 Guardrail is an airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection platform based on the Beechcraft King Air and Super King Air.

The RC-12K/N/P/Q aircraft of Guardrail/Common Sensor provides organic SIGINT and precision targeting for an Army Corps. It also has COMINT and ELINT intercept/DF of tactical radios for intelligence and targeting for Army Corps and echelons above corps.

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...

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 Guardrail systems currently in service include the Guardrail V (RU-21H aircraft), the Guardrail Common Sensor Minus (RC-12H aircraft), and the Guardrail Common Sensor (RC-12K/N/P aircraft).

Aug 5, 2021 · The US Army will retire its RC-12 Guardrail signals intelligence aircraft and replace their capabilities with the HADES system.