BIRD Aerosystems has announced a major step forward in its airborne defense portfolio with the certification of a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the KING AIR 350C platform, granted by the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (CAAI).
The certification enables a range of upgrades that expand the aircraft’s capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and special mission operations.
According to the Israeli-based company, the newly certified configuration adds multiple mission-specific enhancements, including center fuselage hard points capable of carrying payloads up to 390 kg (860 lbs) and forward fuselage hard points supporting up to 100 kg (220 lbs).
The configuration also introduces several advanced mission systems, such as four separate GNSS antennas, an AIS/LOS data link antenna, and dedicated cabin wiring for intercom and crossover panels. These improvements allow seamless power and data integration between onboard sensors and operator stations.
The integration of these systems gives the KING AIR 350C the ability to support a wide range of ISR payloads — including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, multi-mode radars, and NATO-standard 30-inch pylons — transforming the turboprop into a versatile, multi-role surveillance and mission platform.
Tal Haloutz, VP Solutions at BIRD Aerosystems, said: “The KING AIR 350C STC is another important step in expanding our ASIO portfolio. By providing our customers with a flexible, multi-role platform that can be rapidly adapted for ISR and special missions, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for every mission and every challenge.”
The company’s ASIO (Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence and Observation) solution is a field-proven ISR system designed for a wide spectrum of operations, including maritime and ground surveillance, search and rescue, patrol, and border security. At the core of ASIO is BIRD’s proprietary MSIS (Mission Management System), which integrates sensor and communication inputs into a single operational picture, delivering real-time, actionable intelligence to commanders and field teams.
By combining multiple sensor feeds and communication channels, ASIO enables smaller crews to effectively cover large areas while maintaining enhanced situational awareness. The system is also designed for rapid deployment, making it suitable for dynamic operational environments where mission requirements can shift quickly.
The latest STC for the KING AIR 350C highlights BIRD Aerosystems’ continued investment in multi-mission platforms and its ability to adapt commercial and military aircraft for advanced defense and homeland security roles. The company says this certification further broadens its portfolio of mission-ready airborne platforms, which includes light aircraft, turboprops, and jets configured for a range of operational demands.
For defense and security customers, the upgrade provides greater flexibility and capability in a single platform. The combination of increased payload capacity, enhanced sensor integration, and mission-specific hardware means the KING AIR 350C can serve in a variety of roles — from intelligence collection and border surveillance to maritime patrol and rapid-response missions.
The company emphasized that the certification is not just an engineering milestone but also a strategic move to offer agencies around the world a customizable solution that can evolve with changing operational needs. With the new STC, BIRD Aerosystems continues to position itself as a leading supplier of adaptable ISR platforms, capable of supporting missions in diverse environments and complex threat scenarios.
The KING AIR 350C, enhanced through this certification, is expected to be deployed by defense and homeland security agencies globally, offering them a proven, mission-ready platform that merges flexibility, endurance, and cutting-edge technology in a single aircraft.