Raytheon Aircraft has launched a new addition to the Hawker line. Unveiled at EBACE in Geneva last month, though not on show here in Paris, the new Hawker 400XP replaces the Beechjet 400A. With the delayed super mid-size Hawker Horizon now slated for delivery in 2004 Raytheon will, from next year, be offering three Hawkers.
The Hawker 400XP offers an extra 200lb gross weight and a five year tip-to-tail warranty unavailable on its predecessor. Other optional features on the Beechjet, now standard on the Hawker 400XP include: thrust reversers, vapour cycle air conditioning, T2CAS and an emergency locator transmitter.
CriticalHawker division president Bradd Hatt believes these enhancements will entice corporate and fractional owners despite the $6.7million price tag. "This new Hawker is a critical step in our overall strategy to create distinct branding references for our customers. Hawker aircraft are known among corporate and fractional customers for their elegance, large cabins and despatch reliability. That's a perfect description of the Hawker 400XP," said Hatt, unveiling the commemorative-painted aircraft on the Geneva static.
"The most significant overall benefit to customers is increased flexibility. Customers have the additional operational capability to add another passenger or operate with the same number of passengers and increase fuel onboard by 200lb for increased range."
European owners or operators will be able to find UK-based services. Raytheon's longer-term faith in the European market was signalled earlier this year when it designated Chester, England as a Hawker Facility Centre.
Representing the Hawker line at Le Bourget is the Hawker 800XP with its Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. The now standard avionics package includes an 8x10-inch flat panel displays, dual AHRS, dual FMS and digital autopilot. The aircraft is part of Raytheon Aircraft's Fixed Base Operation (FBO) here at Le Bourget.
Raytheon says it will be ready to certify the next member of the family the Hawker Horizon in early 2004. Flight test activity on the new super mid-size business jet is, it says, rapidly accelerating. In April, aircraft RC-3 performed a 7.6-hour duration flight that validated performance predictions, evaluated extended system operation, and checked navigation, communication, and autopilot equipment.
The flight, which started and concluded at Beech Field in Wichita, was the longest test flight in Beechcraft and Hawker history.
"With three Hawkers to choose from, customers can stay within the Hawker family to fulfil all their corporate flight missions," says Hatt.
Source: Flight Daily News
