Story ID: 445 Beechcraft G5000/Aircell
Beechcraft Adds Garmin G5000 as 400XPR Option
By: James Wynbrandt
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Word Count: 326
Beechcraft announced here in Las Vegas that it had added the Garmin G5000 flight deck as an option for its Hawker 400XPR upgrade program, in addition to adding a new wireless in-flight telecom option from Aircell, for both low- and high-occupancy aircraft.

The 400XPR factory upgrade includes several factory approved airframe modifications, along with power from new Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines, significantly boosting the range and performance of legacy Beechjet 400 series aircraft. Customers can now choose either the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 or the Garmin G5000 avionics suite for the upgrade installation.

“We’re seeing interest [in the upgrade program] grow even more as we add the G5000 option,” said Brian Howell, Beechcraft v-p of aftermarket sales and business development.

The Garmin G5000 flight deck will feature three high-resolution 12-inch displays, along with two touch screen controllers that serve as the primary crew interface with the system. The Garmin flight deck also incorporates the company’s advanced autopilot, PBN/RNP 0.3 with LPV/APV approach capability, Garmin’s GWX 70 digital turbulence-detecting weather radar and optional synthetic vision. The installation also provides an estimated weight savings of 200 pounds. Certification of the G5000 installation for the 400XPR is expected in 2015.

Beechcraft also announced it has certified and begun installation of the ATG 2000 wireless in-flight connectivity system from Aircell (Booth No. C11243), which provides Gogo Biz in-flight Internet and Aircell’s new Text & Talk service. The installation is available today for most Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft, through Hawker Beechcraft Services). HBS is offering introductory incentives to operators who purchase an ATG 2000 during the NBAA show and through the end of 2013.

“Our North American operators love this new option,” said Christi Tannahill, senior v-p of Global Customer Support. “The ATG 2000 bundles connectivity and voice services features in a perfectly sized and priced package that’s ideal for light-use King Air, Premier and Hawker operators,” she said.