Raytheon says its Hawker Horizon super mid-size business jet is beating preliminary performance estimates in range, takeoff field length and time to climb.

The programme has completed 50 per cent of flight tests, amassing more than 700 hours among three

test aircraft.

Said a spokesman: “The estimate for six passengers at high speed cruise of 0.82 Mach is 3,100nm.

“Current testing shows the aircraft will fly 3,147nm under these parameters.

“The Horizon’s stall characteristics, which affect takeoff field length, are about four knots less than originally predicted. The guarantee is 5,250 feet; but based on testing to date, the current estimate is less than 4,900 feet.

“What’s more, the aircraft is providing better-than-expected performance with an anticipated climb from sea level to 37,000 feet in just over 13 minutes.”

Meanwhile, Raytheon says the fourth Hawker Horizon in its test fleet will have a role unlike any other aircraft in its history. Prior to certification, the aircraft will fly to Little Rock where employees will work it as if it were in normal operation.

During function and reliability testing, the Horizon will fly typical customer missions and similar schedules expected of a super mid-size aircraft.

Technicians will monitor structures and systems, and maintenance personnel will perform normal maintenance and conduct mock inspections.

Said president and general manager of the Hawker Division, Brad Hatt: “With past new models, we’ve trained technical support and authorised service centre staff at FlightSafety. This is a hands-on approach that will reveal any issues with tooling, access, parts or publications.

“When the Horizon enters service [next year], there will be no surprises.”