ORLANDO - Beechcraft Corp, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., announced at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention & Exhibition in Orlando that Guardian Flight has secured six orders for the Hawker 400XPR upgrade package. First deliveries are planned for the first half of 2015.

"As the largest air medevac provider in Alaska, this order demonstrates Guardian Flight’s confidence in the added range performance and operating value provided through the Hawker400XPR upgrade," said Brad Thress, senior vice president, Customer Service at Textron Aviation.

Guardian Flight's upgraded Hawker XPR aircraft will feature Genuine Hawker Winglets and the increased power of the Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines. Preliminary performance data shows that aircraft upgraded with Hawker winglets should see a three to four percent increase in range. Combined, these modifications are projected to realize a 33 percent increase in range along with improvements in runway and hot/high performance. In addition to engines and winglets, the XPR can include upgrades to the aircraft’s exterior, cabin and avionics.

The Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines will enable the Hawker 400XPR to climb directly to FL450 in only 19 minutes at max takeoff weight. Based on preliminary performance data, the 400XPR will fly 1,970 nautical miles with four passengers departing a 5,000-foot elevation airport at 30°C. Certification of the new engines is pending.

The factory-approved, engineered and supported upgrade package is available through the Textron Aviation company-owned service center network.

Source: Beechcraft