The King Air modifications are extensive and its capability appropriately impressive, all the more so since the complete engineering package was designed, installed and presented to the regulator by 2Excel's expert team.

A Beechcraft King Air 200, G-HMGA (c/n BB-744) is one from a pair of heavily modified machines operated by 2Excel Aviation for the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Here it is flanked by a company Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, G-SCTR (c/n 31-7912112).

The Panthers' undernose EO turret contrasts with the radar, line scanner and EO sensor equipping the King Airs.

A large belly radome houses the Sea Spray 7300 radar and will eventually take the superior Osprey 30. The radome had already been developed in-house, for radar trials on behalf of Leonardo.

Senior Sensor Operator Mick Taylor explains the King Air cabin station to HM Coastguard personnel.

A single operator station and equipment cabinet are installed in the cabin. The mission suite is driven through two powerful, commercially available apps.

Top: Schematic showing the radome and turret installation.
Bottom: With the radome 'removed', the radar (forward) and line scanner equipment are revealed.