U-21G UTE

Our Aircraft

The U-21 UTE entered U.S Army service in 1996 as the Army’s first turbine-powered aircraft. The U-21 was the prototype of the unpressurized Beechcraft model 65-90 king Air. The aircraft was intended to directly support tactical units and could accommodate up to 12 fully equipped combat troops, 3000 pounds of cargo, or three stretchers and ambulatory casualties. All U-21’s were built with large cargo doors adjoining the port side entry door. The first U-21’s started reaching Vietnam in late 1967.

Nine different versions (A-J) of the U-21’s were produced from 1966 until 1974 encompassing a total of 186 aircraft. The aircraft were modified for Signals Intelligence Warfare capabilities. The last active U-21’s left Army and National Guard service in 1996.

OUR AIRCRAFT - Serial No. 70-15906

Accepted in September 1971 by the U.S. Army from the manufacturer, the Beechcraft Corporation, our aircraft # 70-15906 is the last version, a G model, produced for the Army and second to the last U-21 to be produced. The aircraft was initially assigned in 1971 to the 207th Aviation Company in Germany where it provided utility support for the U.S. Army in Europe. In 1979, #70-15906 was transferred to the Army Airborne Electronics Research Testing Unit based at Lakehurst NAS, NJ until 1993. The Aircraft’s last Army assignment was the Georgia Army National Guard from 19993 to 1995 with A company, HCAA, 151st Medical Evacuation BN. The aircraft was released from service in 1996 and sold to Dynamic Aviation of Bridgewater, VA.

1971-79: 207th AVN CO ; Germany

1979-93: Army Airborne Electronic Research Testing Unit: Lakehurst NAS, NJ

1993-95: A Company, HCAA, 151st Med Evac BN, Georgia Army National Guard, Dobbins ARB, GA

2002-present: Army Aviation Heritage Foundation

The AAHF utilizes our U-21G as a support aircraft for our Sky Soldiers Demonstration Team transporting the Demonstration Team’s advance party and providing logistics support. The aircraft is all-weather equipped and can carry six people with baggage 600 miles with IFR reserve fuel.

Specifications

Crew: Pilot, CO-Pilot; Signet and EW versions carried up to 6 systems operators

Engine: Two 550 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 turboprops

Speed: 260 MPH (maximum)

Range: 960 miles

Armament: None; RU-21 variants equipped to dispense defensive pyrotechnics