Editor Carl Chance, Wings Over Kansas’ aviation & aerospace correspondent, former news consultant and producer for Wingspan Air & Space Channel.
WICHITA, Kan. (Dec. 9, 2009) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) announced it had received Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Type Certification for the Hawker 4000 super-midsize business jet on Nov. 30, 2009. The Hawker 4000 is the world’s most advanced business jet based on its innovative composite construction. Deliveries of the flagship aircraft into China are scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2010.
“We continue to see strength in the Asian market and are excited to provide our customers in China with yet another option in our superior lineup of aircraft,” said HBC executive vice president Shawn Vick. “With its outstanding flight performance, spacious cabin and world-class avionics, the Hawker 4000 is clearly the best choice in the super-midsize business jet category.” China adds to the growing list of Hawker 4000 certified countries, which includes Bermuda, Honduras, India, Isle of Man, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the United States.
The Hawker 4000 is faster and delivers superior cruise and range performance than its closest competitors. With best-in-class field performance in its category, take-off field length (ISA, SL, MTOW) is just 1,545 m (5,068 ft.). Climb rate is exhilarating, going from sea level to 37,000 feet in just over 14 minutes. Once at altitude, the Hawker 4000 accelerates very quickly to its maximum cruise speed of Mach .84 (896 km/hr), maximizing productivity of customers by getting them quickly to their destination. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines deliver 6,900 pounds of thrust each flat rated at ISA +22° Celsius and, combined with the Hawker 4000’s advanced wing design, provide impressive high altitude/hot temperature and short field performance.
The Hawker 4000’s cockpit features a Honeywell Epic avionics suite with five high-resolution 20 x 25 cm (8 x 10 in.) LCD displays. It has enhanced situational awareness and flight management systems, backed by real-time system monitoring and status. The airplane comes standard with dual Inertial Reference System, dual air-cycle machines and auto-throttle that are ideally suited for long-range and trans-continental flights. Avionics and utility systems are fully integrated, and advanced composite material construction provides for lower part count, enhanced reliability and lower life-cycle costs.
The composite fuselage of the Hawker 4000 features a 1.83 m (6 ft.) stand-up cabin with a 1.97 m (6 ft. 5.5 in.) width. A flat floor runs the entire length of the aircraft, leading to an impressively large 2.51 cubic m (88.5 cubic ft.)/900 lb. baggage area, accessible during flight and on the ground through an exterior door. An eight-place interior configuration is standard with fully-articulating executive seats in double club format. The interior can be customized with a wide variety of materials and cabin finishes.
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