Gets Big Launch Order From NetJets

Despite talk that Raytheon Aircraft Company is seeking a buyer for its general aircraft operations... on the floor of the National Business Aviation Association Monday, Raytheon officials were all smiles as they proudly announced the development of two new bizjet models: the Hawker 900XP and Hawker 750 models, for the mid-size and super-light-mid jet markets, respectively.

Officials with Raytheon told ANN the company decided to press ahead with plans for the two new Hawker variants, following market analysis and a review of the Hawker product line showed an opportunity was not being satisfied in the light-mid size jet market.

The Hawker 900XP (center) will launch Honeywell’s new TFE731-50R engine providing improved hot and high altitude performance with over 2,800 nm NBAA IFR range with six passengers... allowing it to make a one-stop flight from New York to Honolulu 99.9 percent of the time. It also will have the same cabin size as the Hawker 800-series.

Featuring a factory-customized interior by the Little Rock Completion Center, and RAC designed winglets, Raytheon says the 900XP will be well positioned to continue to be the most preferred airplane in the mid-size segment. Standard priced at $13.9 million, certification is expected mid-year 2007 with deliveries to begin in the 3rd Quarter.

Raytheon also announced contracts with NetJets Aviation and NetJets Europe for the purchase of 48 of the new Hawker aircraft -- 30 Hawker 750s and 18 Hawker 900XPs, for NetJets’ global fleets. The order is valued at in excess of $500 million. Deliveries will commence in 2007 and continue through 2009.

"We are excited to be the launch customer for the Hawker 750 and Hawker 900XP. This order reflects the increased demand for NetJets private aviation solutions in both the US and in Europe," said Richard Santulli, chairman, NetJets Inc. "The Hawker 900XP will be an integral part of our Columbus based Netjets Aviation program.  It complements our existing fleet in the United States, providing our owners with greater choice and longer range while continuing to maintain the high standards that have made NetJets the market leader.  The Hawker 750 is a fantastic fit for our European customers enhancing our NetJets Europe fleet."

The new Hawker 750 (below) will be a 2,100 nm NBAA IFR range airplane with four passengers, strategically positioned with the largest cabin in the light-mid size aircraft segment. It will have the same cabin as the Hawker 800-series -- but the ventral fuel tank will be replaced with a heated external baggage compartment with 32 cubic feet of additional baggage capacity.

Raytheon touts the Hawker 750 cabin -- measuring 5’9" in height and 6’0" in width -- will be far superior in both comfort and size to anything in the light-mid size category.

The airplane will continue to use the highly successful Honeywell TFE731-5BR engine and state-of-the-art Collins Pro Line 21 avionics package. The aircraft will feature a new Hawker interior designed specifically for the 750 and for this market segment. Priced at $11.2 million standard and $11.9 million typically equipped in 2007 dollars, certification is planned for Q3 2007 and deliveries will begin in the Fourth Quarter.

"The Hawker 900XP and Hawker 750 will provide us with the best combination of cabin size, payload, and range in their respective market segments," Brad Hatt, president, Commercial Aircraft. "Hawker has always been synonymous with quality, performance and value. Now we will have two additional products in two different market segments backed by the exceptional service and support our customers know to expect."

Raytheon Aircraft Company designs, manufactures, markets and supports Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft for the world’s commercial and military markets.

FMI: www.raytheonaircraft.com