SHANGHAI (March 27, 2012) – Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) today announced two major milestones in the development of the Hawker 400XPR factory-direct upgrade program. First, it has mounted the first Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines to the Hawker 400XPR test aircraft and expects first engine run will occur in the next few weeks. Second, it has completed certification of the four-display Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 upgrade option.
The Hawker 400XPR is a factory-direct aircraft upgrade program for the Hawker/Beechjet 400 that synergizes the aerodynamics of genuine Hawker winglets, propulsion of the FJ44-4A-32 engine, optional Pro Line 21 avionics and a number of additional system enhancements. Certification of the engines and winglets is expected by the end of June 2012.
“It’s quite exciting to achieve these two milestones in the certification program and we know our customers are eager to hear about our progress,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “The fact that we sold out of our 2012 planned production before the year even started and increased scheduled production is a clear indication in the popularity of this upgrade. Getting the first engines installed as well as the four-display Pro Line 21 system certified are important steps toward overall certification.”
The Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines are optimized exclusively for the Hawker 400XPR and are each capable of producing 3,600 pounds of thrust, flat rated at 3,200 pounds to create robust temperature margin and performance. With a total thrust of 6,400 pounds, the FJ44-4A generates 8 percent or 470 pounds more thrust than the Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5R it replaces. This significant improvement in flat-rated thrust results in exceptional hot/high, climb and cruise performance. Advanced materials are used throughout, including a composite inlet case to reduce engine weight. A dual channel, Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system provides optimal power setting and reduces pilot workload while providing trend monitoring, time-limited dispatch, diagnostics and engine synchronization.
The four-display Pro Line 21 upgrade option replaces the existing Pro Line 4 displays and upgrades the flight management system to FMS 6100. With this significant functional enhancement, operators now have access to electronic charts, XM weather/data, WAAS/LPV, ADS-B out, VHF datalink and an upgrade path for future airspace requirements. A two-year Corporate Aircraft Service Program (CASP) warranty on new and existing Rockwell Collins equipment is included with the upgrade.
Hawker Beechcraft offers customized XPR upgrade packages for existing aircraft owners as well as XPR Factory Completed Aircraft for those who do not currently own a Hawker/Beechjet 400. XPR-upgraded aircraft include performance, cost and reliability enhancements only available through Hawker Beechcraft. The Hawker 400XPR is the only Hawker/Beechjet 400A factory-designed, engineered and supported upgrade of this kind.
Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., GCS is dedicated to improving the value of Hawker Beechcraft aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase resale value. GCS is comprised of five functional groups that include Support Plus (cost predictability/warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), Hawker Beechcraft Services (factory-owned service centers), Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications) and Global Mission Support (government business and special mission maintenance/training support).
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission, light attack and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
