Mitsubishi Diamond Beechcraft BeechJet - Hakwer 400XP

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The Raytheon Beechjet traces its origins back to the Mitsubishi Diamond 2 bizjet, which Beechcraft acquired the design and production rights to in the mid 1980s.

The original Mitsubishi MU300 Diamond 1 flew for the first time in August 1978, powered by two 11.1kN (2500lb) P&WC JT15D4 turbofans. The subsequent Diamond 2 flew on June 20 1984, with the first production aircraft flying in January 1985. Only 11 Diamond 2s were built before Beech purchased the design and production rights, resulting in the Model 400 Beechjet.

Beech reengined the Diamond 2 with P&WC JT15D5 turbofans, developed a new interior, and incorporated a number of other minor refinements. Deliveries of the Beechjet began in June 1986, with low rate production continuing until that model was replaced by the Model 400A, which was delivered from November 1990.

The new 400A incorporated a number of improvements over its predecessor. A higher max takeoff weight and greater operating ceiling improved performance, while repositioning the rear fuselage fuel tank increased cabin volume. The flightdeck features Collins Pro Line 4 EFIS with three colour displays - two primary flight displays (PFDs) and a multifunction display (MFD) with a second MFD optional.

Following customer feedback Raytheon developed a new luxury standard interior for the Beechjet which was introduced in 1996.

The Beechjet 400A also serves as the basis for the military T-1 Jayhawk tanker and transport aircrew trainer - 180 were delivered between 1992 and 1997. The Japan Air Self Defence Force has also taken delivery of 12 T-400 aircrew trainers (Beechjet 400Ts).

The Hawker 400XP has been a competitive option for business jet clients since its debut in the light private jet market. It is ideal for short trips and strikes the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and operating costs.

Clients that have flown in the Hawker 400XP consistently comment on the spaciousness of its cabin. The cabin is, in fact, no larger in square footage than any previous models private jets in the Hawker series, only the layout has changed. As with everything else in this jet, the attention to detail in its design is apparent. The cabin has a flat floor and an oval shape, maximizing the amount of usable space. Its internal and external baggage space totals seventy three cubic feet, or the equivalent of about seven suitcases and three or four golf bags. It holds seven passengers comfortably in a seating arrangement that has been redesigned since the previous model. Although many of the exact details of its design slip by clients unnoticed, no one can avoid enjoying the experience of flying in the truly classy cabin of the Hawker 400XP.

The true strengths of this jet, however, come out when it’s in the air. It boasts a cruise speed of over four hundred knots and uses the fuel-efficient Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 turbofan engines. Pilots that have flown the Hawker 400XP liked the Collins Pro Line 4 avionics, saying that its layout was logical and well-designed. They said that the jet is extremely stable throughout its flight envelope and is generally a very reliable private jet.

The Hawker 400XP is the product of years of revision by Raytheon’s Beechjet Aircraft Corporation. They originally purchased the production rights for the jet from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan. Mitsubishi had designed it to be the best private jet available in the charter business jet industry, and appropriately called it the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond. Beechcraft modified the design and began to manufacture it in their aircraft facility in Kansas. They called it the Hawker 400.

For five years after the Hawker 400’s release, Beechcraft continued to improve its design and released the Hawker 400A. The 400A model saw a redesign of the fuel system, a longer flight range, and a higher take off weight. From there the design underwent even more revisions, culminating in the Hawker 400XP, a private jet that Beechcraft calls its “best-selling light jet.”

Powerplants

Performance (400 XP)

Performance

400 - Max speed 837km/h (452kt), cruising speed 748km/h (404kt). Range with four pax, max fuel and reserves 3572km (1929nm).

400A - Max speed 867km/h (468kt), typical cruising speed 834km/h (450kt), long range cruising speed 726km/h (392kt). Initial rate of climb 3770ft/min. Service ceiling 43,400ft. Range with max fuel and reserves cruising at 796km/h (430kt) 2915km (1574nm), at 774km/h (418kt) 3135km (1693nm).

Weights

400 - Basic empty 4225kg (9315lb), max takeoff 7158kg (15,780lb).

400A - Operating empty (including crew) 4819kg (10,625lb), max takeoff 7303kg (16,100lb).

Dimensions

Wing span 13.25m (43ft 6in), length 14.75m (48ft 5in), height 4.24m (13ft 11in). Wing area 22.4m2 (241.4sq ft).

Capacity

Flightcrew of two pilots, with standard passenger arrangement in main cabin for six with a entertainment/executive console, or seven without (plus provision for an eighth passenger in toilet compartment with seat belt installed).

Information gathered from various internet sources. Reasonable attempts have been made to ensure accuracy and veracity of sources. However, this information should not be used for flight planning or official purposes.

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