Hawker 4000 First Delivery

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Hawker Beechcraft is celebrating the first delivery of its Hawker 4000 business jet, an event occurring 12 years after its initial announcement in 1996.
The Hawker 4000 is a composite-fuselage midsize jet, described as "the world's most advanced business jet," which first flew in 2001.
Despite being certified in 2006, production was delayed for performance enhancements and a robust lightning-protection system, with final type certification recently granted.
It holds the distinction of being the largest composite aircraft certified by the FAA.

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A moment 12 years in the making is taking place at Hawker Beechcraft’s Wichita headquarters today. The company is holding a ceremony for the first Hawker 4000 delivery. The composite-fuselage midsize is described by the company as “the world’s most advanced business jet” and was certified in 2006. Production was delayed while the company boosted performance and installed a more robust lightning-protection system at the FAA’s request.

The Hawker 4000 was announced in 1996 and first flew in 2001. It remains the largest composite aircraft certified by the FAA. Final type certification and production approval was recently granted by the agency. The first owner wasn’t identified in advance but is described by the company as “a private owner and loyal Hawker Beechcraft customer.”