Hawker Beechcraft 4000

Hawker 4000 is the world’s first FAA certified super-midsized business jet built with composite construction. It also boasts a sophisticated supercritical wing, and epoch-making avionics. Revolutionary carbon-fiber composite fuselage dramatically reduces the jet’s weight, enhances fuel economy, improves its performance and reduces the life cycle cost.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines, Hawker 4000 can fly at a cruise speed of 0.84 mach and reach a service ceiling of 12,497 m in 20 minutes with maximum takeoff weight. It can seat up to 14 passengers and two crew.

Carrying eight passengers, it can cover a maximum range of 6,100 km, ideal for transcontinental travels. In addition to its extraordinary speed, Hawker 4000 also takes the lead in runway performance. The Pratt & Whitney engines and state-of-the-art wing design give Hawker 4000 superb short takeoff and landing performance under high temperatures and on plateaus, making the aircraft well-suited for travel in the western areas of China.

Taking off from sea level with maximum takeoff weight (17,000 kg), it only needs a 1,374 m runway. In case of short landing, 762 m would suffice. Inside, the Hawker 4000 is outfitted with many devices unseen in aircraft in its class: Honeywell’s EPIC avionics suite; digital CNS wireless system with five 20-by-25-cm LCDs; improved situational awareness system and flight management supported by real-time monitoring. The jet is also ready for long, over-water flights, with double sets of IRS (inertial navigation system), double sets of air cycle machines and a spare generator.

The appeal of Hawker 4000 also lies in its majestic appearance. The cabin is 1.83 m tall and 1.97m wide, with continuous, flat floor and club-type leather seats. The 2.51m3 luggage compartment is accessible in flight, and the interior décor materials are customizable. Hawker 4000 has been through several demo flights and remains in great demand. Orders totaling more than 130 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to the US, Venezuela, the UK and South Africa.

Upon receiving certification from FAA in 2008, inquiry and demands on the Hawker 4000 have also flooded in from China, because its capabilities are ideally suited for the Chinese market. In September 2008, the Hawker 4000 was awarded “2008 best of the best” by Robb Report. So far, 12 Hawker 4000 jets have been produced, among which six are test aircraft, and four have been delivered to customers. There are still 30 on the production line and a total of 36 are expected in 2009.

Price: USD22.5 million

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