HBC News

Let's start the thread off with news that HawkerBeechCraft have launched a new language variant to their website, it's now available in Portuguese. This happened at the recently concluded LABACE in Brazil. Here's the PR from HBC.

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www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

Upgrades to the Hawker 400 (XPR model)

Upgrades to the Hawker 400 (XPR model)​

New changes announced by HBC to the Hawker 400 may seem dreamy to some but the new XPR model is hitting some hitches. The new Hawker 400XPR model is expected to feature a three-prong upgrading package with winglets, upgraded avionics and new engines. The problem is, two of the three new features have been delayed until early 2013. The new engine powerplants and the winglets have fallen behind in testing and there by delayed according to HBC president of the Americas Richard Emery.

First flight of an FJ44-powered Hawker 400 was done on 7 May. However, only a few days later the company filed for bankruptcy protection hindering plans. So with the delay certification of the first XPR model with all three options may not be certified until possibly late March, 2013.

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HBC eyes Africa mining sector and industries to boost its sales. With Africa having 30% of the world's mineral deposits and many times these deposits laying in remote areas which demand alternate forms of transport access. HBC already has a 65% share in the Turboprop market in Africa and is looking to add to this advantage. The King Air aircraft from HBC has done the bulk of the work. The ability for the two turbo prop King Air to land in short distances and in unimproved surfaces makes it a loyal platform. In anticipation of further sales, the company has begun to ramp up its support structure in Africa. Service centers located in Lagos, Nigeria and also in South Africa in Lanseria are in place to serve. The also have a local distributor in Absolute Aviation to deal with exclusive Beechcraft matters. With the booming mining sector in Africa, HBC is looking to cash in, literally.

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It's a King Air 250...

Hawker Beechcraft now has less than 120 days in which to decide how it is going to come out of its bankruptcy state. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York granted HBC the additional time when they signed on September 4th, 2012. Currently HBC has been gazing at two options, either as a standalone owned by its primary creditors or by a third-party, currently we can assume that is Superior Air Beijing.

Superior Air Beijing has been vital as it has been funding HBC to help keep some production lines maintain operation. The plan before was to come out of bankruptcy by the end of 2012 but this looks to be not possible now with them looking at maybe Spring 2013 for an emergence out of bankruptcy.

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As many of you wil know, HBC has a defence sector to its business.

Flight Testing Begins for Hawker Beechcraft’s Aftermarket Pro Line Fusion Display Upgrade

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Hawker Beechcraft Appoints Horizontal De Aviación as New Authorized Service Center in Colombia​

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News doesn't look good for HBC's jet line with them planning to cut the production line. The Hawker 900XP, 700 and 400XP seem like they will be axed, and then they would transfer support of the Hawker 4000 and Premier 1 aircraft as part of its restructuring, says chairman Bill Boisture.

Hawker Beechraft filed for bankruptcy on May 3, but spent from July to October negotiating with Superior Aviation Beijing on a $1.79 billion take-over deal. The negotiation fell through last month, forcing Hawker Beechcraft to propose its original strategy to emerge from bankruptcy as a stand-alone company focused on turboprops and piston-powered aircraft production.

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Changes coming to the restructured HBC...

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More terrible news from HBC although it is expected.

HBC will shed alot of weight as it seeks to reemerge from bankruptcy as a smaller company. Top officials informed employees of the cuts in a letter sent out on Wednesday. Nearly 450 jobs are on the line from various sectors throughout HBC. The reductions are part of a process that will involve closing the Hawker Beechcraft Services facilities in Little Rock, Arkansas, San Antonio, Texas, and Mesa, Arizona.

The closures will affect about 240 employees at those facilities. In addition, the company will cut about 170 jobs in Wichita and at its Little Rock completions center, where the company is completing the final Hawker Beechcraft jets for customer delivery. Workers that are expected to be axed will be given 60-day notices for their termination soon.

HBC has a facebook competition going on...

I love this photo. Sad to think HBC is killing the business jet line.

Great news for all you propeller heads out there especially those who love the Beechcraft King Air 200.

MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH has yet received the FAA STC for the next generation 5-blade scimitar composite propeller MTV-27-1-E-C-F-R(P) / CFR225-55f on the Hawker Beechcraft King Air 200 Series with the Engine P&WC PT6A-41, -42, -52, -61. This new STC provides general performance improvement (5 percent improved take-off & climb, 3 kts cruise with 1800 rpm), maximum durability and reliability, suitable for all weather operation.

- Provides best vibration damping characteristics for almost vibration free propeller operation

- Has bonded on nickel alloy leading edge for superior erosion protection of the blades

- Approx. 25 lbs less weight than the original 4-blade propellers with aluminum blades

- Has no propeller speed restrictions on ground while operating in low idle

- Gives more ground clearance for less FODs

- Provides significant cabin noise and vibration reduction

- All models comply with the strict German noise regulations 2010–"Landeplatz Lärmschutz Verordnung"for unrestricted airport operations in Germany and other European Countries

Hawker Beechcraft Disclosure Statement Approved by Bankruptcy Court

NTSB Investigating Montana King Air Crash

The fatal crash of a King Air 100 near Libby, Montana is being investigated by the NTSB. The crash sadly killed a passenger and the pilot of the aircraft and it is said the 1980 airplane met its demise under unknown circumtances. The wreckage was found atop Swede Mountain.

HBC offering free avionics upgrades on King Air 250 and 350i models...more to come on this.

HBC ready to come out of bankruptcy protection

Hawker Beechcraft has been cleared to come out of bankruptcy protection after February 14 by the U.S bankruptcy court. The company is to come out as a smaller reorganized entity focusing on turboprop and piston aircraft, shedding it's Hawker name and identity, thus the jet-line production. The current Hawker Beechcraft chairman Bill Boisture is expected to become the chief executive of Beechcraft. He will be replacing Steve Miller who will remain as a senior advisor to the board.