Hawker 4000
The Hawker 4000 is the latest addition to Beechcraft's private jet range and is certainly the flagship of the fleet. Being built of advanced composite materials allows the Hawker 4000 to offer a high-performance service while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency.
It is able to climb to 41,000 ft in under 19 minutes, quickly getting above other air traffic and potentially disruptive weather conditions. It is also known for its high-altitude performance because it provides a range of over 6,000 km, while cruising at a maximum speed of nearly 900 km/h, getting its passengers to distant destinations in excellent time. The interior is spacious and well lit, thanks to 7 large windows on either side, and can accommodate up to 8 passengers, typically in a double Club 4 seating arrangement. It also features a pressurised baggage compartment that is accessible during flight. Overall, this comfortable and efficient Super Midsize aircraft is an extremely popular choice and comes highly recommended.
Super Midsize Jet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hawker |
| Category | Super Midsize Jet |
| Range* | 5741 km 3100 NM |
| Cruise speed | 870 km/h 470 kts |
| Seats** | 8 |
| Suitcases | 13 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
The Hawker 4000 was developed as the company's flagship super-midsize business jet, incorporating advanced composite construction and modern systems. The aircraft represented Hawker's entry into the competitive super-midsize category.
The 4000 featured a carbon fiber fuselage and other advanced materials, demonstrating Hawker's commitment to weight reduction and structural efficiency. The aircraft was designed to compete with established players in the growing super-midsize market.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, the 4000 offered enhanced performance and fuel efficiency compared to older designs. The aircraft featured modern avionics and a spacious cabin designed for transcontinental missions.
Despite its advanced technology and performance capabilities, the Hawker 4000 faced challenges in the competitive business jet market. The aircraft represented Hawker's ambitious attempt to establish a presence in the super-midsize category before the company's eventual acquisition by Textron.
FAQ
Is the Hawker 4000 faster than the Citation X?
No, the Hawker 4000 is not faster than the Citation X. The Citation X cruises at 952 km/h (514 knots) compared to the 4000's cruise speed of 870 km/h (470 knots), making the Citation X approximately 106 km/h faster. However, the Hawker 4000 offers superior range capability with 5,741 km compared to the Citation X's 5,762 km range, providing an additional 426 km of non-stop flying capability.
How many passengers can the Hawker 4000 accommodate?
The Hawker 4000 typically seats eight passengers in its standard configuration, featuring a double Club 4 seating arrangement that maximises comfort and social interaction. The aircraft can be configured to accommodate up to 14 passengers in high-density layouts, though this would compromise individual comfort and baggage space. The spacious cabin measures 7.62 metres in length, 1.98 metres in width, and 1.83 metres in height, with seven large windows on each side providing abundant natural light.
What is the range of the Hawker 4000?
The Hawker 4000 has an NBAA IFR range of 5,741 km (3,100 nautical miles), providing excellent transcontinental capability. This range enables flights such as London to New York or Paris to Dubai without refuelling stops. The ferry range extends to 6,080 km (3,283 nautical miles), offering additional flexibility for longer non-stop journeys.
What is the cruise speed of the Hawker 4000?
The Hawker 4000 cruises at 870 km/h (470 knots), making it competitive within the super-midsize jet category. This speed allows the aircraft to efficiently cover transcontinental distances, though it is somewhat slower than high-speed competitors like the Citation X, which achieves 952 km/h.
What makes the Hawker 4000's composite construction unique?
The Hawker 4000 features advanced carbon fibre fuselage construction, making it one of the few business jets in its category to utilise extensive composite materials. This construction method reduces overall weight whilst maintaining structural strength, contributing to the aircraft's climb performance—reaching 41,000 feet in under 19 minutes. The composite materials also enhance fuel efficiency and provide a pressurised baggage compartment accessible during flight. However, this advanced construction contributed to higher manufacturing costs, which ultimately affected the aircraft's market competitiveness before production ended in 2013.
