More Powerful Engines, AND Less Fuel Burned

Hawker Beechcraft told ANN this week the planemaker earned type-certification of the newest aircraft in the Hawker family, the Hawker 900XP, on August 24.

The aircraft is the latest evolution of the mid-size Hawker 800-series, and continues the company's planned sequence of upgrades for the Hawker fleet of airplanes.

"The Hawker 900XP is the perfect combination of new engine power and efficiency with a leading class airframe," said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO. "Significant improvements in fuel efficiency, range, hot and high altitude takeoff performance and reduced cost of operations will ensure that it remains the world’s best selling mid-size jet."

As ANN reported, Raytheon -- then the owner of Hawker and Beechcraft lines -- unveiled the 900XP at the 2006 NBAA Convention.

The Hawker 900XP launches Honeywell's new TFE731-50R engine, exhibiting improved hot and high altitude performance. At 5,000 feet airport elevation with ISA+20 Celsius, the engine produces 3,970 pounds of thrust, a 4.5 percent improvement over the 850XP's 3,800 pounds of thrust.

Engine temperature ratings at sea level are 19 percent better for NTO and 15 percent better for APR, according to Hawker Beechcraft. Major Periodic Inspections (MPI) and Compressor Zone Inspections (CZI) will increase from 2,100/2,400 hours to 3,000/6,000 having a positive impact on engine cost of operations.

Long range cruise improves to almost 2,800 nautical miles NBAA IFR range with six passengers, allowing it to make a non-stop flight from New York to anywhere on the West Coast 99.9 percent of the time. At high speed cruise, range improves from 2,111 nautical miles in the new Hawker 850XP to 2,307 nautical miles in Hawker 900X. That improvement comes with a reported five percent lower fuel burn, and 10 percent lower engine maintenance costs on MSP enrolled engines.

The Hawker 900XP has the same cabin size as the Hawker 800-series, the largest in its class. The aircraft sports a factory-customized interior by HBC's Little Rock Completion Center, and HBC designed winglets.

At a 2007 typically-equipped price of $14.3 million, deliveries of the Hawker 900XP will begin in September. Foreign certifications are already being pursued.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com