News
Hawker Beechcraft tests new 400XPR aircraft
May 9, 2012, Wichita, Kan. - Hawker Beechcraft has successfully completed the first flight of the upgraded Hawker 400XPR aircraft, powered by new Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines.
May 9, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
During the test, the plane took off from Garner Field Airport in Uvalde, US, and climbed to 5,000 ft. in one minute and reached 14,000 ft. and 320 km/h during the maiden flight.
Hawker Beechcraft GCS senior vice president Christi Tannahill said: "The first flight of the Hawker 400XPR engine test article is a major milestone and significant achievement for our design and production teams."
The Hawker 400XPR, which is the upgraded version of the Beechjet/Hawker 400, features the new Williams's engines with enhanced aerodynamics of Hawker Winglets, optional Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and various system enhancements.
The first flight of the Hawker 400XPR engine test article is a major milestone and significant achievement for our design and production teams."
According to the company, the new 3,200 lb. thrust Fadec-controlled Williams engines, replacing the earlier Pratt & Whitney engines, will enable the aircraft to fly up to 2318 miles with maximum fuel, which is 517 miles beyond the regular model 400 aircraft.
The enhancements in flat-rated thrust will offer improved hot/high, climb and cruise performance, while a dual channel, full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system offers optimal power setting and reduces pilot workload.
Hawker 400XPR's four-display Pro Line 21 upgrade option facilitates the operators to have access to electronic charts, XM weather/data, WAAS/LPV, ADS-B out, VHF datalink and an upgrade path for future airspace needs.
The company claims that the new aircraft, expected to be certified in September, will enhance performance, operating cost and resale value.
Skyway Aerospace Technology designed and engineered the aircraft, while it was modified by Sierra Industries of Uvalde, Texas.
