Adds 2nd Test Aircraft To Certify Avionics Upgrade Options

The Hawker 400XPR development program got a boost Thursday with the announcement by Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) of the addition of a second aircraft to the test program. This aircraft will be used primarily to develop and certify various avionics upgrade options.

"This additional aircraft allows us to engineer the program's optional avionics upgrade concurrently with the Williams International FJ44-4A engine integration," said Christi Tannahill, Hawker Beechcraft vice president, GCS. "This will keep the momentum going on the certification in order to meet the growing demand from our customers."

A number of variations of Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics are planned for the Hawker 400XPR. Customers can choose a baseline three-display system or a more advanced four-display system, along with other enhancements to meet their operational needs. The Hawker 400XPR three-display avionics system is expected to certify this summer at which time it will be available to all Beechjet 400A and Hawker 400XP aircraft as a stand alone upgrade. Additional 400XPR avionics variations and options will follow.

As a Hawker Beechcraft factory product, all aspects of 400XPR aerodynamics, avionics and propulsion will be incorporated into the company's interactive maintenance library and will be fully supported by its 1,000-employee-strong GCS organization.

HBC says the Hawker 400XPR, which is expected to receive certification in 2012, offers greatly improved range and airfield performance, while reducing noise footprint and emissions by replacing the existing engines with new, more fuel-efficient Williams International FJ44-4A-32 dual FADEC high-bypass turbofans. The upgrade also features the addition of genuine Hawker composite winglets and an optional modernized flight deck with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com