Raytheon Aircraft has introduced a light jet for its corporate customers – the Hawker 400XP. The nine passenger aircraft will succeed the Beechjet 400A.

“This new Hawker is a critical step in our overall strategy to create distinct branding references for our customers,” said Brad Hatt, Hawker division president.

The Hawker 400XP (eXtra Payload) also features a 200lb gross weight increase that was recently introduced to the production line on its predecessor.

“The most significant overall benefit to customers is increased flexibility,” added Hatt. “Customers have the additional operational capability to add another passenger or operate with the same number

of passengers and increase the fuel onboard by 200 pounds for increased range.”

In Europe, customers can look to Hawker Aircraft Services – Chester – for service. The facility was recently designated an official Hawker Service Center for aircraft maintenance and refurbishments.

In further news, Raytheon has announced that the Beechcraft Premier I is now capable of flying in tightly defined airspace throughout the world after receiving FAA Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) group certification.

“Receiving group certification enables our owners to fly in the preferred flight paths, wherever

they fly,” said Bob Horowitz, president of Raytheon’s Beechcraft division. “One of the Premier’s strengths

is its performance in congested areas, and this group certification enhances that reputation.”

Field kits for delivered Premier I aircraft are now available. The first delivered aircraft with RVSM capability is serial number 70.

RVSM is a requirement for operating in Europe, across the North Atlantic, Pacific, and will be a requirement in the US by 2005. Aircraft not certified for the RVSM flight are not permitted to fly between 29,000 and 41,000 feet – the flight levels with the greatest use.

Raytheon plans to deliver 49 Premier Is this year.