Beechjet

Its first flight took place on 29 August 1978. This is a small, low-wing, all-metal two-turbofan airplane, operated by a team of two pilot airlines and carrying eight occupants in a pressurised cab. The Beechcraft purchased the right of manufacture and began producing its own Beechjet 400 as its own prototype, renamed Beechjet 400.

Beechjet 400 was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in May 1986. Raytheon/Beechcraft continuously engineered its own enhancements to the 400A, resulting in the 400A in 1990. The 400A's enhancements included greater reach, higher take-off weight and enhanced luxuries.

Beechjet 400A specification

Beechjet first appeared on the radars in 1985 when the firm bought the Diamond II Diamond from Mitsubishi. One year later Beech announces the manufacture of the Beechjet 400 and the 400A in 1989. Beech produced 421 of the 400 and 400 airplanes for 17 years (1986-2003) before it was taken over by Raytheon.

The Beechjet 400A range, however, continues to be a powerful and effective rival in the entry-level corporate aviation segment. Though the 400 was a good plane, Beech jumped with her lightweight personal 400A plane. Upgrade features included higher load capacity and deck, higher max landings, 150lb more propellant capacity, larger cab capacity, back toilet and enhanced cab silencing.

The 400A's improved designs and enhancements make it a more powerful, roomier and more luxurious aircraft than its previous model. The Beechjet 400A is powered by two Pratt and Whitney JT15D-5 turbofans from Canada. Combined with outstanding construction characteristics, these motors allow the 400A to sail 1,500 sea mile at a velocity of 0.78M Mach.

It has a top of 446 kts, a further increase over its forerunner. 400A has a max load capacity of 2,172 pounds and a max altitude of 45,000ft. 400A uses the Collins Pro Line 4 system. 400A was the first airplane to be certificated with such an advance dashboard suit.

400A has been significantly improved over the initial 400. There is more room in the cab thanks to the new hull refuelling area. To stabilize the flexural moments of the wing, the airplane is initially conceived to burn off energy in the cockpit. In addition, the brake has anti-slip logics to allow for greater landings.

Thanks to the above mentioned improvements, the 400A cab is more roomy. An carry-on luggage room and a refrigerator were added. Redesigned motor bearings and the use of sound-absorbing material ensure a more pleasant and quiet cab area. The Beechjet 400A is the base for the T-1 Jayhawk fuel cell aircraft and transportation aircraft training aircraft.

Raytheon's 400A has been continually updated and developed into the Hawker 400. In spite of its old age, the 400A's initial uterus still represents a fierce competitor in its category and is perfect for company or single use.