GENEVA, Switzerland (May 5, 2010) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation’s (HBC) flagship, the Hawker 4000 super-midsize business jet, has established five world records since it recorded its first en route to last year’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva. The first four records occurred during a four-day stretch in October 2009 when a Hawker 4000 carrying four passengers and a crew of two logged more than 6,700 nautical miles traveling to major cities in Europe and the Middle East. The fifth record was logged on Jan. 17, 2010, between London and Dubai.

“The Hawker 4000’s superior cruise and range performance when compared to its competitors in the super-midsize category mean that it could potentially set a speed record on virtually any flight,” said Shawn Vick, HBC executive vice president. “The aircraft’s performance in these instances wasn’t just about speed. It demonstrated the versatility, reliability and range to meet the unique and varying transportation needs of a global company.”

The first record was set last year on Oct. 8, when a Hawker 4000 traveled from Lisbon, Portugal, to Berlin, Germany, a distance of 1,253 nautical miles, in exactly three hours for an average speed of 482.13 miles per hour. The next day the aircraft completed a second record leg between Berlin and Milan, Italy, with an average of 395.62 mph over the 448 nautical mile distance, in an elapsed time of 1 hour and 14 minutes. Then on Oct. 10, when the Hawker 4000 traveled from Milan to Bahrain in 5 hours and 30 minutes, it averaged a record 480.14 mph over the 2,282 nautical mile route. Finally, on Oct. 12, the aircraft departed Bahrain and made a 6 hour and 57 minute flight over Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Bulgaria, Sofia, Croatia, Austria, Germany and Belgium before landing at London’s Stansted Airport in the United Kingdom. The average speed was 454.42 mph over the 2,729 nautical mile distance.

In January 2010, a fifth world speed record was added to the Hawker 4000’s accomplishments, flying from London to Dubai, a distance of 3,056 nautical miles at an average speed of 540.39 mph.

Statistical summaries of the flights have been submitted for certification and verification to the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) for aircraft in the Class C-1 (6,164-13,228 lbs.) Group III (jet) category. Certificates for all of the records will be presented to HBC representatives later this year.

With best-in-class field performance in the super-midsize category, take-off field length (ISA, SL, MGTOW) is just 5,068 feet (1,545 m). Climb rate is exhilarating, going from sea level to 37,000 feet in just over 14 minutes. Once at altitude, the Hawker 4000 accelerates very quickly to its maximum cruise speed of Mach .84 (896 km/hr), maximizing productivity of customers by getting them quickly to their destination. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines deliver 6,900 pounds of thrust each flat rated at ISA +22° Celsius and, combined with the Hawker 4000’s advanced wing design, provide stunning high altitude/hot temperature and short field performance.

Source: Hawker Beechcraft