Raytheon Aircraft Company Breaks Ground to Expand Little Rock Operation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 3, 2006) – Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) broke ground today to expand their aircraft completions facilities in Little Rock, Ark. Ceremonies included dignitaries from local and state government who spoke at the event. “Raytheon Aircraft Company’s commitment to our Little Rock facility and the great team of talented people we have working here is an investment in the future,” said Jim Schuster, chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who also spoke at the event. “Hawker aircraft have a long tradition of reliability, durability and proven performance, and this investment will allow us to continue to set the industry standard for quality, performance and value.”

The $16.3 million expansion will enhance the space needed to finish the paint and interior of the flagship of the Hawker product line, the Hawker 4000 composite fuselage super-midsize business jet, as well as enhance existing operations. Currently, the facility fits Raytheon Aircraft Company’s Hawker 850XPs with custom interiors, custom avionics packages, exterior coatings and paint, and are then delivered to the customer.

The facilities at present are working at capacity and will need the additional space to complete and deliver the number of aircraft currently on order. A facility expansion will add 112,000 square feet to the existing structure and enable throughput to double by the end of 2008. A new 54,000 square foot hangar bay will provide the necessary space for Hawker 4000 completions. Extension of back portions of the existing buildings will provide additional woodshop, upholstery, sheet metal and stores space. All areas throughout the facility will be redesigned to optimize work flow. RAC expects to create up to 150 new, full-time positions over the next 24 months.