New Engine Powers Hawker 900XP

Honeywell announced Wednesday at NBAA 2007 it has received Federal Aviation Administration certification for its TFE731-50R turbofan engine that Hawker Beechcraft Corporation selected to power its new Hawker 900XP.

The engine is designed to deliver up to 5,000 pounds of take-off thrust and includes integrated nacelle and thrust reverser systems. In its Hawker 900XP configuration, the installed engine will deliver 4,900 lbs of thrust.

Honeywell has shipped 27 shipsets to Hawker Beechcraft Corporation for installation on the new Hawker 900XP aircraft.

“The engine is certified to 5,000 pounds of thrust and has significantly improved temperature margin, which will give our customers an engine with incredible durability,” said Ben Driggs, Vice President of Marketing at Honeywell Aerospace. “Coupled with reduced Thrust Specific Fuel Consumption at cruise and improved climb thrust, the -50R will deliver the performance and reliability our customers want.”

The TFE731-50R turbofan engine joins the TFE731-20/40/60 propulsion family of 1,700 fielded propulsion engines with more than four million service hours. The TFE731-50R is a low risk derivative of the current –60 production engine, utilizing a common core and a scaled wide chord damperless fan. The engine will operate at a cooler internal temperature than other TFE731 engines and will give Hawker 900XP operators mature engine reliability at entry into service.

“With a scaled wide chord damperless fan, the engine will deliver seven percent range improvements for ISA-day takeoffs when flat rated to the same thrust as the TFE731-5BR. The -50R will yield up to a 24 percent range improvement for ‘Hot and High’ takeoff, while delivering lower operating costs,” Driggs said.

The TFE731-50R utilizes an N1 Digital Electronic Engine Control with hydromechanical backup, single-crystal blade material in the high-pressure and first stage low-pressure turbines as well as improved vane and blade cooling effectiveness. Other engine enhancements include durability improvements in the compressor that extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs.

FMI: www.honeywell.com, www.hawkerbeechcraft.com