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UC-12W
The U.S. Marine Corps plans to buy 10 UC-12W support aircraft in fiscal 2027, almost doubling the service’s fleet in one year, with another seven to follow in 2028.
The Department of the Navy’s budget request calls for $204.5 million to buy the modified Beechcraft C-12 Hurons from Textron Aviation to replace its aging UC-12F/M and UC-35 C/D aircraft. The UC-12Ws will provide operational support airlift missions, flying high-priority passengers and cargo.
Budget justification documents show the aircraft can carry a minimum of nine passengers or light cargo and are capable of operating out of short and unimproved airfields.
The Marine Corps had originally planned to field 12 of the aircraft, but the program of record has increased to 30 to support operational requirements. Ten of the aircraft had been procured before 2025, with one procured in fiscal 2026. No more aircraft are budgeted beyond the seven to be purchased in 2028.




