Hawker Beechcraft announces successful first flight of upgraded 400XPR

Aircraft manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft Corporation reported on Monday that its Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) has announced the successful initial flight of the Hawker 400XPR engine test article, a first flight of an aircraft that has been upgraded with new Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines.

The company said that it anticipates certification in September 2012 of the Hawker 400XPR upgrade, which is a combination of the Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines, that now have increased power, with the superior aerodynamics of genuine Hawker Winglets. Optional Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics are also available, as well as several enhancements to the system that are said to significantly improve performance, operating cost and resale value. Hawker Beechcraft added that existing Hawker/Beechjet 400 owners are offered customized XPR upgrade packages. For those who do not currently own an aircraft, the company offers XPR Factory Completed Aircraft. The XPR upgrade and Factory Completed Aircraft both include performance, cost and reliability enhancements that are exclusively available only through Hawker Beechcraft, including the exclusive factory-designed, engineered and supported upgrades available for the Hawker/Beechjet 400.