Raytheon Beechjet 400

United States of America

Light corporate jet

The Raytheon Beechjet traces its origins back to the Mitsubishi Diamond 2 bizjet, which Beechcraft acquired the design and production rights to in the mid 1980s. The original Mitsubishi MU300 Diamond 1 flew for the first time in August 1978, powered by two 11.1kN (2500lb) P&WC JT15D4 turbofans. The subsequent Diamond 2 flew on June 20 1984, with the first production aircraft flying in January 1985. Only 11 Diamond 2s were built before Beech purchased the design and production rights, resulting in the Model 400 Beechjet. Beech reengined the Diamond 2 with P&WC JT15D5 turbofans, developed a new interior, and incorporated a number of other minor refinements. Deliveries of the Beechjet began in June 1986, with low rate production continuing until that model was replaced by the Model 400A, which was delivered from November 1990. The new 400A incorporated a number of improvements over its predecessor. A higher max takeoff weight and greater operating ceiling improved performance, while repositioning the rear fuselage fuel tank increased cabin volume. The flightdeck features Collins Pro Line 4 EFIS with three colour displays - two primary flight displays (PFDs) and a multifunction display (MFD) with a second MFD optional. Following customer feedback Raytheon developed a new luxury standard interior for the Beechjet which was introduced in 1996. The Beechjet 400A also serves as the basis for the military T-1 Jayhawk tanker and transport aircrew trainer - 180 were delivered between 1992 and 1997. The Japan Air Self Defence Force has also taken delivery of 12 T-400 aircrew trainers (Beechjet 400Ts).

Two 13.9kN (2965lb) takeoff rated Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D5 turbofans.

400 - Max speed 837km/h (452kt), cruising speed 748km/h (404kt). Range with four pax, max fuel and reserves 3572km (1929nm). 400A - Max speed 867km/h (468kt), typical cruising speed 834km/h (450kt), long range cruising speed 726km/h (392kt). Initial rate of climb 3770ft/min. Service ceiling 43,400ft. Range with max fuel and reserves cruising at 796km/h (430kt) 2915km (1574nm), at 774km/h (418kt) 3135km (1693nm).

400 - Basic empty 4225kg (9315lb), max takeoff 7158kg (15,780lb). 400A - Operating empty (including crew) 4819kg (10,625lb), max takeoff 7303kg (16,100lb).

Wing span 13.25m (43ft 6in), length 14.75m (48ft 5in), height 4.24m (13ft 11in). Wing area 22.4m2 (241.4sq ft).

Flightcrew of two pilots, with standard passenger arrangement in main cabin for six with a entertainment/executive console, or seven without (plus provision for an eighth passenger in toilet compartment with seat belt installed).

Total Beechjet 400 production 64. 200th civilian 400A delivered in October 1998. In addition 180 modified 400As built for the US Air Force as T-1A Jayhawk tanker/transport trainers.

Raytheon Beechjet 400