The two latest models from the Hawker Beechcraft business jet stable achieved major milestones on the eve of Asian Aerospace.
The newest aircraft in the Hawker family, the Hawker 900XP, received type certification last week. The aircraft is the latest evolution of the best-selling, mid-size Hawker 800-series business jet. It is part of a strategically planned sequence of upgrades for the entire Hawker range.
Meanwhile, the second new Hawker, the 750 superlight jet, has made its maiden flight. “First flight of a new model to the market is always an exciting time,” said Brad Hatt, president of commercial sales. “The Hawker 750 opens a whole new market for us and with a strong backlog already in place, we're anxious to start deliveries.”
The 750 is similar to the 800 except the ventral fuel tank has been replaced by a 32ft3 heated luggage compartment. The aircraft will have a 2,100nm NBAA IFR range with four passengers in what Hatt claims is the largest cabin in its class measuring 5ft 9in in height and 6ft wide.
Hawker Beechcraft is present on the static park at Asian Aerospace with a Hawker 850XP, which will give visitors the opportunity to see the space available in this series of aircraft. The company is also showing its current flagship, the Hawker 4000.
The Hawker 900XP certification was also a celebratory moment for Honeywell as the aircraft launches Honeywell’s new TFE731-50R engine which gives improved hot-and-high altitude performance. At 5,000ft airport elevation with ISA+20 Celsius, the engine produces 3,970lb of thrust, a 4.5% improvement over the 850XP’s 3,800lb.
At a 2007 typically-equipped price of $14.3 million, deliveries of the Hawker 900XP will begin in September and various international certifications are already being pursued.
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Source: Flight Daily News
