The ThrustSense allows pilots of C-12 aircraft to automatically control engine power settings. Credit: Robin Guess/Shutterstock.

The US Army has selected Innovative Solutions & Support’s (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle system for their C-12 (B200) aircraft fleet.

The ThrustSense system is designed to provide comprehensive flight envelope protection, right from take-off to landing.

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This allows pilots of C-12 aircraft, equipped with ProLine 21 avionics suites, to automatically control engine power settings to improve efficiency and safety.

A contract was awarded in September 2024 with deliveries set to start immediately.

ThrustSense Autothrottle is engineered to automatically calculate and adjust power levels, easing pilot workload, bringing safety and convenience to the King Air and C-12 platforms.

This technology also promotes stabilised approaches and protection against critical flight conditions such as overtorque, overtemperature, and unsafe speed variations during demanding flight scenarios.

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The system also offers protection against Minimum Control Speed in Air, automatically reducing engine power to maintain directional control.

IS&S sales & marketing vice-president Larry Riddle said: “With the King Air’s versatility across a broad range of missions, operators are increasingly focused on improving operational efficiency and reducing crew workload.

“ThrustSense is a perfect example of how IS&S is leading the way in cockpit automation, enhancing both safety and performance.”

Installation of the ThrustSense Autothrottle is facilitated by an Integrated Standby Unit (ISU) that requires no structural modifications to the throttle quadrant, allowing for minimal aircraft downtime.

The ISU not only controls the autothrottle but also upgrades standby functionalities, making it an optimal retrofit for existing aircraft.

Globally certified for Beechcraft King Air B200 and B300 models, and standard on the King Air 260 and 360 production models, ThrustSense is also available for the Pilatus PC-12 Legacy and NG platforms.

Retrofits can be obtained through authorised Innovative Solutions & Support service centres around the world.

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