Hawker Beechcraft is moving forward with its Hawker 400XPR upgrade project.
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) first announced the Hawker 400XPR package at the recent US National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual convention in Atlanta in October.
The new package is a US$2.24 million high performance upgrade for Hawker 400XP / Beechjet 400A aircraft. Hawker Beechcraft Services has now acquired the first test aircraft and initiated design engineering on the project.
The Hawker 400XPR, which is expected to receive certification in 2012, offers improved range and airfield performance while reducing noise footprint and emissions by replacing the existing Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 engines with new, more fuel-efficient Williams International FJ44-4A-32 dual FADEC high-bypass turbofans. The upgrade also features the addition of composite winglets and an optional modernised flight deck with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics.
HBC vice president, Global Customer Support, Christi Tannahill, says the project is being fast-tracked due to strong customer interest.
“Our design and engineering team is already modeling and evaluating winglet shapes and other aerodynamic improvements, along with preliminary powerplant considerations,” Tannahill says. “The market is ready for a factory designed and supported performance enhancement of this proven light jet.”
The design of the Hawker 400 entry level twin-engine business jet has its roots in the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond jet, which first flew in 1978. After purchasing the production rights, Beechcraft began manufacturing the jet under the Beechjet 400 name and achieved FAA certification in 1986. It later became the Beechjet 400A and then the Hawker 400 following Raytheon’s purchase of the Hawker business jet range, and the aircraft’s design has been tweaked along the way to now be known as the Hawker 400XP
The Hawker 400XP light business jet will be tweaked with the Hawker 400XPR upgrade package. (HBC)
