Hawker Beechcraft Hawker 900XP

The Hawker Beechcraft Hawker 900XP is the latest development of the Hawker 800/800XP mid-sized business jet. The Hawker 900XP has improved payload capabilities, enhanced performance and upgraded systems to further improve ease of operation and cost of maintenance.

The Hawker 900XP is powered by new Honeywell Aerospace TFE 731-50R turbofan engines, which provide increased thrust at altitude and lower specific fuel consumption. This gives the aircraft much improved airfield performance particularly at hot and/or high airfields, decreased time to altitude and the ability to climb direct to the maximum cruising altitude of 41,000ft at maximum take-off weight (ISA).

The new engines together with Hawker Beechcraft-designed composite winglets provide better time to climb, faster cruise speeds and more range compared to the previous Hawker 800XP/850XP models. Other features include standard thrust reversers and in-flight operable APU.

The Hawker 900XP was launched at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in October 2006. Initial orders were received at the show from NetJets Aviation and NetJets Europe for 18 aircraft and Voyager Group LP of the USA for an undisclosed number. NetJets increased the order to 36 aircraft in January 2007. Other orders received include: Gulf Jet (one aircraft), Jet Asia (four), Deer Jet (one) and Western Aviation of Dubai (one).

The aircraft achieved US certification in October 2007 and European certification in December 2007. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2008.

HAWKER 900XP DESIGN

The design of the Hawker 900XP is based on the Hawker 800/850 but with the addition of composite winglets, designed by Hawker Beechcraft, to enhance aerodynamic performance. The custom-designed outwardly canted winglets were sized to provide distinct performance improvements while not impacting airframe inspection schedules.

The metal leading edge from the wing continues along the entire polished leading edge of the winglet providing a seamless wing to winglet interface. The LED position lights, along with the conventional strobe assembly, are integrated within the contour of the winglet leaving the external surface of the winglet uninterrupted.

As well as increased range and better fuel economy, the addition of winglets provides improved second segment climb capability and improved time to climb.

FLIGHT DECK

The Hawker 900XP is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite with four 8in x 10in high-resolution Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays (AMLCD).

The avionics suite includes dual FMS-6000 flight management system, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TACAS), Engine Indicating System (EIS), Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS), and turbulence detection weather radar.

The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) system includes digital radios, single HF-9000 high-frequency communications system with Selcal (selective calling).

The Head-up Guidance System (HGS) provides the pilot with increased situational awareness.

CABIN

The 1.75m (5ft 9in) high, 1.83m (6ft) wide cabin allows easy movement during the flight.

The versatile cabin of the Hawker 900XP allows a large variety of layouts with each aircraft interior being designed to satisfy the requirements and tastes of the individual customer.

With an eight seat configuration, there is a baggage capacity of 49.5ft³ which is accessible in flight. Alternative layouts are available if extra baggage is required.

A comprehensive galley is equipped with a microwave, a cold food box, a coffee maker and stowage for crockery, cutlery and glasses.

The Rockwell Collins Airshow 21 cabin management system provides passengers with LCD touch screens for the control of cabin temperature, lighting and entertainment systems.

From 2008, the Hawker 900XP can be fitted with the Aircell Axxess II satellite communications system.

ENGINES

The Hawker 900XP is powered by two next-generation Honeywell Aerospace TFE-731-50R engines, flat-rated to 4,660lb. thrust (sea level, ISA) to ISA+16°C. These provide the same level of airfield performance as the previous Hawker 850XP but also provide higher departure temperatures.

The higher thrust at altitude also means the Hawker 900XP can climb directly to its maximum operating altitude of 41,000ft in 25 minutes at maximum take-off weight. The ability to climb directly to final cruise altitude, together with better fuel efficiency compared to the older 731-5BR engine, allows faster overall trip times and lower operating costs. The TFE731-50R engine also features a 6,000-hour Time Before Overhaul (TBO) which also translates into lower engine costs.

AUXILIARY POWER UNIT (APU)

The Honeywell Aerospace GTCP36-150 Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is fitted as standard in the Hawker 900XP. The APU is fully approved for in-flight operation to 30,000ft and provides electrical power and air-conditioning while the aircraft is on the ground without the need to start the aircraft’s main engines.