Avionics Options Among The Key Approvals For Additional Certifications

The FAA has awarded several new STCs to Nextant Aerospace for its 400XT airplane. Among those are approvals for additional avionics options, many of which help to pave the way for final certification by EASA.

The STCs cover several major operational areas, including the Class "A" Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) system, and the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)/Localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) navigational aid.

Nextant was also awarded STCs for the in-flight entertainment options offered within the 400XT's completely remanufactured cabin. They include the Rockwell Collins Venue in-flight entertainment system and the Aircell Axxess cabin communication system that features high speed wireless internet connectivity and dual channel satellite phone service.

"Not only have we created an entirely new category of business jet with more range, speed and greater cost-effectiveness, at half the cost of comparable planes," said Jay Heublein, vice president, sales and marketing for Nextant Aerospace. "We also have created an aircraft that provides customers with constant connectivity, be it in the air while using the 400XT's high-speed wireless Internet service or face-to-face upon touchdown."

The 400XT process employs a remanufactured airframe from the Beechjet 400A/XP aircraft, enhanced with new, state-of-the-art technology including the Williams FJ44-3AP turbofan engine, the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics suite, advanced electronics and completely rebuilt interiors. The remanufacturing process takes all life-limited components to zero-time status, either through replacement or complete overhaul, which effectively makes the 400XT a new plane in all material aspects even before the addition of advanced technology.

The resulting aircraft has a 2,003 nautical mile range and cruising speed of 460 nautical miles per hour. It supports a remarkable 30 percent reduction in operating costs over the 400XP, fuel efficiency improvements of 20-30 percent, depending on the length of the flight segment, significantly reduced carbon emissions and noise compliance that exceeds Stage IV requirements.

The 400XT is considered to be a new type in the Aircraft Bluebook. Further options include additional avionics features, and an optional seating configuration that allows for the most leg room of any light jet in production without sacrificing seating capacity.

FMI: www.nextantaerospace.com