FJ44s Ground Tested on Nextant 400XT

Nextant Aerospace has begun full-power ground runs of its Beechjet-based 400XT with the Williams International FJ44-3AP engines. This marks the final phase of the ­certification ­process for the 400XT, which also includes new Rockwell ­Collins Pro Line 21 ­avionics and a zero-time airframe. Engine certification is progressing on schedule for next year, the company said, with first flight pending at press time. Nextant CEO Kenn Ricci sat in the left seat during the first full-power run on August 12. “The FJ44-3AP engines idled at much lower power [than the ­original P&WC JT15Ds] and were more responsive and exact when you asked for power. With the 3AP engines being Stage IV compliant, the noise level in the cabin is ­significantly quieter,” he said.