Hawker Horizon Conducts 7.6-Hour Test Flight
Raytheon is patting itself on the back after a successful series of flight tests. The Hawker Horizon, the company’s new super mid-size business jet, is the reason for this celebration. RC-3, the third aircraft to join the FAA certification flight test program, recently completed a 7.6-hour test flight over the central and southern region of the United States. This flight, which started and concluded at Beech Field in Wichita, exceeded the duration of any other test flight in Beechcraft and Hawker history.
Raytheon is patting itself on the back after a successful series of flight tests. The Hawker Horizon, the company's new super mid-size business jet, is the reason for this celebration. RC-3, the third aircraft to join the FAA certification flight test program, recently completed a 7.6-hour test flight over the central and southern region of the United States. This flight, which started and concluded at Beech Field in Wichita, exceeded the duration of any other test flight in Beechcraft and Hawker history.During the flight, the crew validated performance predictions, evaluated extended system operation, and checked navigation, communication, and autopilot equipment. The mission, which was conducted primarily at low-to-mid-level altitudes, covered a distance of 2,227 nautical miles. The three Horizons currently participating in the program are currently testing avionics, performance and systems parameters. Later testing will demonstrate the maximum range capability of the airplane.Raytheon claims the Horizon will provide hot-rod performance with an anticipated climb from sea level to 37,000 feet in just over 13 minutes, and a current takeoff field length estimate of 5,088 feet (at maximum gross weight and ISA conditions) beating the performance guarantee of 5,250 feet. An NBAA IFR range of 3,100 nautical miles at Mach .82 is also guaranteed, with a maximum range of 3,400 nautical miles.
