WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Aircraft's largest
airplane, the new super mid-size Hawker Horizon, flew its maiden flight today.
With Horizon Chief Test Pilot Tom Carr at the controls, the business jet
flew a 2 1/2 -hour mission from Wichita's Beech Field that tested the
aircraft's flying qualities, engine operation, low-speed handling and climb
performance. Co-pilot was Hans Betz and flight test engineer was Andy
Collier. The aircraft flew to 10,500 feet and operated at speeds up to 225
knots.
"The aircraft was everything we expected and more," said Carr.
"Performance and handling qualities were exactly as expected. Controls were
very responsive and predictable. We're ready to go up again."
"Everyone here at Raytheon Aircraft is very pleased that the Horizon had
such an outstanding flight the first time out," said Raytheon Aircraft
Chairman and CEO Jim Schuster. "This new business jet will define the super
mid-size class and we and our customers are anxious to get it to market."
The Hawker Horizon, which is one-third larger than the company's mid-size
Hawker 800XP, offers an outstanding combination of range, speed and cabin
size. An NBAA IFR range of 3,100 nm at Mach .82 is guaranteed for the
Horizon, promising the ability to cross the U.S. non-stop against almost any
wind. A maximum range of 3,400 nm provides trans-Atlantic capability and
additional performance flexibility.
The Horizon fuselage is made with the advanced composite technology used
on Raytheon Aircraft's Premier I entry-level business jet. The Premier I's
fuselage is built in two sections, and the much larger Horizon fuselage is
built in only three sections and features a 72-inch stand-up cabin and
77.5-inch width. A flat floor runs the entire length of the aircraft, leading
to a large, 105-cubic-foot aft baggage area. The baggage compartment is
accessible on the ground through an exterior door or during flight through the
cabin.
The Hawker Horizon will be delivered with a comprehensive customer support
package and will be served by Raytheon Aircraft's global network of
company-owned and independent service centers.
Four aircraft will participate in FAA certification tests, which are
expected to be complete in 2003. Raytheon Aircraft expects to build
36 Horizons each year. The aircraft has a backlog of more than 150 orders,
including options.
Raytheon Aircraft, based in Wichita, designs, manufactures, markets and
supports jet, turboprop and piston-powered aircraft for the world's
commercial, military and regional airline markets. It had revenues of
$3.2 billion in 2000.
With headquarters in Lexington, Mass., Raytheon Company is a global
technology leader in defense, government and commercial electronics, and
business and special mission aircraft.
Contact: Tim Travis of Raytheon, +1-316-676-8674.
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
http://www.raytheonaircraft.com
CONTACT:
Tim Travis of Raytheon, +1-316-676-8674
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