WICHITA, KS -- Hawker Beechcraft has obtained its final Type Certification and Production Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration for its oft-delayed Hawker 4000 business jet. This latest milestone clears the way for its first delivery after 12 years of development.According to Hawker Beechcraft, the first Hawker 4000 customer delivery of aircraft RC-7 is expected "soon".
The Hawker 4000 is the largest composite civil aircraft to be certified by the FAA to date.
Hawker Beechcraft was granted initial type certification for the Hawker 4000 in November of 2006, but deliveries and full production was put on hold because of post-certification modifications including a boost in the maximum takeoff weight, an increase in maximum operating altitude and approval for flight into known icing conditions.
The most notable of the changes was the installation of additional lightning protection for the composite fuselage business jet made at the insistence of the FAA.
The Hawker 4000 made its maiden flight August 11, 2001 in Wichita, Kansas. The aircraft, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines, can carry up to 14 passengers plus two crew members and sports a maximum range of 3,280 nm with eight passengers. Hawker Beechcraft has secured roughly 130 orders for the 4000 series aircraft, including the largest order in the manufacturer's history from NetJets for 50 aircraft in December 2005.
12 years in development!
That is a loooong gestation period.
A380 and 787's delay is nothing compared to Hawker 4000's.
It is amazing that people involved in this program did not give up.
The 787 will be tied up a long time as well, as the FAA is being extra careful with all new technology certifications. The Hawker4000 is a clear sign of how long it takes to satisfy the FAA, and the H4000 is nothing compared to a 787.
Boeing is being completely ignorant of this aspect and continues to promise 25 certified 787 deliveries in 2009 before even the first one has even begun flight testing.
It could take 5 years.