Simulator, EASA Certification, Winglets Among Changes

Following the success of Nextant's 400XT re-manufacturing program, company CEO Ken Ricci said at the NBAA convention in Orlando that the company has its eyes on the next airplane to get the full makeover ... but he is unable to say just yet what airplane it will be.

Ricci did tease the new aircraft Nextant is in the process of developing. The company will follow much the same path as it has with the Beechjet modification, starting with an existing design in need of updating and increasing performance and comfort while offering a value-oriented price to clients who wish to purchase a like-new, serialized, and warranteed aircraft. The company considered four aircraft, and has decided on a model with which to move forward, though Nextant won’t unveil the model until January 2013. Ricci did acknowledge that the Falcon 50 and Hawker 800 were among four potential candidates for a future model, currently code-named the XXT.

He could say definitively during his news conference Tuesday that EASA certification for the company’s 400XT is expected by November 30th, and completion of Nextant’s third EASA certified aircraft is expected by year end. Ricci also highlighted a new winglet configuration for the 400XT. The new raked “shark fin” design, developed by Novell Business Jet Technology, minimizes wing loading while maximizing aerodynamic efficiency. Modeling estimates suggest a 3.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency at altitude with the new winglet design. The 400XT will be the first business jet to implement the winglets, and all existing 400XT aircraft will be retrofitted free of charge. The design eliminates the existing strobe and rotating beacon, replacing them with new, low-maintenance LED position and anti-collision lights.

Nextant also announced FAA certification of its 400XT Level D full-flight simulator, which will be provided exclusively by CAE in Dallas/Fort Worth. Nextant plans to include two type ratings with each aircraft purchase, and has scheduled the first class for November 6th. “Our commitment to dedicated flight crew training underscores that the Nextant 400XT is truly a complete business jet solution,” said Jay Heublein, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nextant Aerospace. CAE and Nextant collaborated extensively to ensure that the simulator realistically emulates the 400XT’s Rockwell Collins Pro 21 cockpit environment as well as the aircraft’s flight capabilities and performance.

(Pictured: Nextant 400XT without winglets)

FMI: www.nextantaerospace.com