Hawker Horizon Endures Cold Weather On First Flight Outside
CONUS
Raytheon Aircraft's new Hawker
Horizon super mid-sized business jet recently shrugged off the cold
and snow of Northern Canada.
RC-2, the second aircraft Raytheon's FAA certification flight
test program, completed a four-day deployment to Iqaluit, the
capital city of Canada's Nunavut Territory. The trip, direct from
Beech Field in Wichita, was the first Horizon flight to a
destination outside the continental United States. During their
stay, the crew validated performance predictions, evaluated systems
operation, checked navigation, communication, and autopilot
equipment in temperatures as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit
(-30C).
Despite the frigid conditions on the ramp at 63 degrees North
Latitude, the Hawker Horizon had no dispatch delays. "Engines,
auxiliary power unit, and aircraft electronics started right away
and performed flawlessly after a very brief warm-up time," reported
Senior Test Pilot Tim Miller.
The composite-fuselage business jet has demonstrated outstanding
performance with a climb from sea level to 37,000 feet in just 13
minutes. The flight time to Iqaluit was a quick four hours for the
nearly 2,000 mile trip. In testing to date, the Horizon program has
amassed more than 1,100 hours and is rapidly progressing trough the
final certification stages, with 55 percent of its test conditions
completed. Certification and deliveries are expected by the end of
this year.
"This mission shows the Horizon will get our customers wherever
they need to go, reliably and efficiently," said Brad Hatt,
President - Hawker Business. The three Horizons participating in
the flight test program are currently validating avionics,
performance and systems operation in extreme environmental
conditions. The fourth Horizon, which will complete FAA Functional
& Reliability testing required for final certification, is
currently undergoing interior installation.
Raytheon says the Hawker Horizon offers an outstanding
combination of range, speed and cabin size. An NBAA IFR range of
3,100 nautical miles at Mach .82 is guaranteed, assuring the
ability to cross the US non-stop against almost any wind. A maximum
range of 3,400 nautical miles provides trans-Atlantic capability
and additional performance flexibility.
The Horizon fuselage is constructed of advanced composite
material. Built in three sections, the Horizon fuselage features a
72-inch stand-up cabin and 77.5-inch width. A flat floor runs the
entire length of the aircraft, leading to a large baggage area. The
baggage compartment is accessible on the ground through an exterior
door or during flight through the cabin.