Garrett Aviation and Honeywell have teamed up to develop a programme to convert Hawker 700 TFE731-3 engines to the TFE731-4 configuration. By replacing certain engine components, the companies say engine thrust will be increased by approximately ten per cent, resulting in improvements in

takeoff, climb, and cruise speed performance, especially under “hot and high” conditions.

The current TFE731-3 is rated at 3,700 pounds takeoff thrust. In the TFE731-4 configuration, this will be increased to 4,080 pounds.

Operators of the Hawker 700 twinjet can expect, depending on ambient conditions, the following improvements: 1,000-foot reduction in takeoff field length, 30 per cent reduction in time to climb, higher initial cruise altitude, improvement in second segment climb weight limits of up to 1,400 pounds, and ten-knot increase in cruise speed.

“This directly translates into greater operational flexibility for Hawker owners,” said Mike Durst, vp of sales, airframes and engines for Garrett Aviation.

“It opens up airports and can get them there faster.”

According to Ken Shimabukuro, technical programme manager for Garrett, no airframe, structural or system changes are needed. The engine conversion is achieved by installing a high-pressure-ratio fan up front and a TFE731-5 hot section.

“Essentially we’re offering a cost effective performance increase for a very desirable and durable airframe,” said Shimabukuro.

There were 215 Hawker 700s produced between 1977 and 1984, of which more than 200 are still in operation. “We talked to the owners of 180 of these aircraft and there is definite interest in this programme because it addresses the perfor-mance improvements they desire.They liked not only the performance benefits, but the way this programme strengthens resale value as well,” said Garrett’s Al Robinson, centre of excellence leader, airframes and engines.

Certification is planned for the second quarter of 2002, contingent upon receiving launch quantity orders by the middle of 2001. The Hawker 700 TFE731-4 engine conversion will be available at any Garrett Aviation heavy maintenance facility.

In addition, the company will be offering avionics (an RVSM option is planned) and interior updates for the aircraft. The time required to perform the conversion is expected to be five to six weeks.

Garrett declares that the “fly away” price for the aircraft conversion will not exceed $1,370,000.