Hawker Horizon Endures Cold Weather On First Flight Outside CONUS

Raytheon Aircraft's new Hawker Horizon super mid-sized business jet recently shrugged off the cold and snow of Northern Canada.

RC-2, the second aircraft Raytheon's FAA certification flight test program, completed a four-day deployment to Iqaluit, the capital city of Canada's Nunavut Territory. The trip, direct from Beech Field in Wichita, was the first Horizon flight to a destination outside the continental United States. During their stay, the crew validated performance predictions, evaluated systems operation, checked navigation, communication, and autopilot equipment in temperatures as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30C).

Despite the frigid conditions on the ramp at 63 degrees North Latitude, the Hawker Horizon had no dispatch delays. "Engines, auxiliary power unit, and aircraft electronics started right away and performed flawlessly after a very brief warm-up time," reported Senior Test Pilot Tim Miller.

The composite-fuselage business jet has demonstrated outstanding performance with a climb from sea level to 37,000 feet in just 13 minutes. The flight time to Iqaluit was a quick four hours for the nearly 2,000 mile trip. In testing to date, the Horizon program has amassed more than 1,100 hours and is rapidly progressing trough the final certification stages, with 55 percent of its test conditions completed. Certification and deliveries are expected by the end of this year.

"This mission shows the Horizon will get our customers wherever they need to go, reliably and efficiently," said Brad Hatt, President - Hawker Business. The three Horizons participating in the flight test program are currently validating avionics, performance and systems operation in extreme environmental conditions. The fourth Horizon, which will complete FAA Functional & Reliability testing required for final certification, is currently undergoing interior installation.

Raytheon says the Hawker Horizon offers an outstanding combination of range, speed and cabin size. An NBAA IFR range of 3,100 nautical miles at Mach .82 is guaranteed, assuring the ability to cross the US non-stop against almost any wind. A maximum range of 3,400 nautical miles provides trans-Atlantic capability and additional performance flexibility.

The Horizon fuselage is constructed of advanced composite material. Built in three sections, the Horizon fuselage features a 72-inch stand-up cabin and 77.5-inch width. A flat floor runs the entire length of the aircraft, leading to a large baggage area. The baggage compartment is accessible on the ground through an exterior door or during flight through the cabin.

FMI: www.raytheon.com