One of the longest certification efforts in aviation history finally ended today with the type approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration for the Hawker 4000 super mid-sized business jet from Raytheon Aircraft.
Raytheon started work on the 4000 (then the Hawker Horizon) in 1996 as its top-of the range aircraft. Since then the certification effort has been plagued by technical hitches, most recently the granting of a temporary exemption to some hydraulic and fuel system requirements.
The 8-place advanced composite 4000's certification was originally scheduled for 2001, but provisional certification was not achieved until 2004.
Despite the setbacks, Raytheon is upbeat about the aircrtaft's proespects in the market, with Jim Schuster, chairman and chief executive of Raytheon saying: “The Hawker 4000 is the most advanced super-midsize jet in the world today. It has the features of a much larger aircraft in a super-midsize body with technology that leads the industry in almost every respect. With an intelligent balance of speed, range and payload, through advanced integrated systems and a composite fuselage, the Hawker 4000 is truly a breakthrough aircraft.”
Flight TV gained access to the interior and cockpit of the Hawker 4000 at this year's National Business Aviation Association conference and exhibition. To see for yourselves, watch our video walk through.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
