NAVAIR’s PMA-207 has delivered a new Cessna Citation Encore aircraft, designated the UC-35D, to the United States Marine Corps. This new aircraft provides additional Operational Support Airlift (OSA) capability to the Marine Corps.

The third of seven planned Cessna Citations, this is the first “D” model and it will be assigned to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar. Two more UC-35D models will be delivered over the next six months, one for MCAS Futenma and one for the Marine Corps Reserve at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Washington, DC. The two initial UC-35C Citation Ultras are assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve at Naval Air Station (NAS) New Orleans.

The UC-35 aircraft were bought to replace the aging CT-39 Sabreliners. These new aircraft provide a significant range, speed and payload increase to the Marine Corps OSA fleet. The UC-35 Cessna Citation is a state-of-the-art twin turbofan commercial aircraft certified by the FAA. The aircraft has a range up to 1,800 nm, a maximum speed of 525 KIAS, and a payload of up to 2,750 lbs.

The UC-35D Encore represents Cessna’s numerous improvements over the UC-35C Ultra. The Encore has an improved avionics suite, quieter and more fuel efficient engines with greater thrust, a more-rugged landing gear, improved anti-icing system, increased payload, more seated headroom, and an estimated 15 percent lower maintenance costs.

The UC-35 program employs a life cycle contractor support (LCCS) concept. DynCorp, the logistics contractor, provides the maintenance support at each site and ensures the availability of material support for the program. The LCCS concept allows the Navy/Marine Corps to take advantage of the available support in the private sector to maintain and support these aircraft.

PHOTO CAPTION:
The first UC-135D is shown here at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.