Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

Special mission aircraft systems integrator Avcon Industries has delivered its first Beechcraft King Air modified for mosquito control. The King Air B200—delivered to Florida’s Lee County Mosquito Control District—integrates the Butler National subsidiary’s engineering expertise with existing fluid dispersal technology for large-area control of mosquitoes, which have become a significant concern in the state.

The modifications to the turboprop twin involved the addition of a removable external under-fuselage pod, electric pump, aerodynamic fairings, and dispersal booms.

“The King Air B200 provides an excellent platform for this mission, and the solution developed by our team creates an opportunity to support similar mosquito-control and airborne dispersal requirements for other operators,” said Avcon president Marcus Abendroth. “By leveraging the versatility of the King Air platform, we are installing a flexible solution that enables rapid, large-scale mosquito mitigation in support of disease and pest prevention efforts.”

The Kansas-based company performs special mission aircraft modifications serving many segments, including business aviation; search and rescue; atmospheric research; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; forestry; and air ambulance markets.