Nextant 400XT at NBAA2012 in Orlando.
Nextant Aerospace has a new modification project in the works, but can’t say just what it is until January. Aviation International News reporters managed to drag a little information out of the company at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Orlando, and speculates it may be an upgrade of either the Learjet 60 or Hawker 800. The company now offers modifications to the Hawker 400, dubbed the 400XT, in competition to one approaching certification by Hawker Beechcraft called the Hawker 400XPR.
Contractual obligations by the avionics supplier to the Nextant project were cited as the reason that the project can’t be revealed for a few months. Nextant was among those cited by a British publication as a possible candidate to purchase the type certificates for Hawker jets, now that Hawker Beechcraft is ending its business jet line. Soon the company will be named Beechcraft Corp. to reflect the loss of the jet line, while piston and turboprop aircraft production continues.
Nextant officials said at the convention that winglets for their aircraft will be approved early next year. All aircraft delivered to date will be updated. Nextant was out of the blocks first with its Hawker 400 modifications. Like Nextant, the Hawker Beechcraft offering also will have winglets, new engines, and a new glass cockpit. It is in development by Sierra Industries in Uvalde, Texas.
Training for the Nextant 400XT is now offered at CAE near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
