Hawker Horizon’s Improved Specs …
Raytheon Aircraft used NBAA as an opportunity to provide updates on its Hawker Horizon program. The Horizon super-mid-size business jet is beating preliminary performance estimates in range, takeoff field length and time-to-climb. The program has completed 50 percent of flight tests, accruing more than 700 hours among three test aircraft. All developmental testing throughout the normal airspeed/altitude flight envelope has been completed, and structures, avionics, software and electrical systems are frozen for production.Company officials claim the Hawker Horizon is exceeding previous estimates in the following areas:
- Range: 3,147 nautical miles
- Takeoff field length: Less than 4,900 feet.
- Climb performance. Climb from sea level to 37,000 feet in just over 13 minutes, as opposed to 15 minutes originally estimated.
Raytheon officials say the fourth Hawker Horizon in Raytheon Aircraft’s test fleet will have a role unlike any other aircraft in the company’s history. Prior to FAA certification, the aircraft will fly to Little Rock, Ark. — worldwide headquarters for the Hawker Division — where it will be operated as if it were in normal operation. During function and reliability testing, the Horizon will fly typical customer missions and similar schedules expected of a super-mid-size aircraft. Technicians will monitor structures and systems, and maintenance personnel will perform normal maintenance and conduct mock inspections.
… And The Beech 1900D Corporate Shuttle Debuts at NBAA
Apart from its bizjet programs, Raytheon officials displayed a new turboprop business aviation model at NBAA. A Beechcraft 1900D configured by Raytheon Airline Aviation Services as a corporate shuttle made its debut in the static display area at Orlando Executive Airport. The 1900D underwent a modification program that installed a 14-passenger interior featuring two club four-seat groups separated from six forward-facing seats by a mid-cabin divider. The overall cabin is divided into four sections: forward cabin with higher density seating, the aft club area, separate aft toilet compartment and a large cargo bay with separate cargo door access. Raytheon officials told AVweb the seats and tables outfitted in the new corporate shuttle aircraft are nearly identical to those found in the company’s Hawker 400XPs.Officials also told AVweb Raytheon Airline Aviation Services foresees a steady niche market for corporate shuttles in the future, both with corporations as well as for special-purpose charters.
