Beechcraft has received FAA certification for its new Hawker winglets, which deliver a 3- to 4-percent range increase to Beechjet 400A and Hawker 400XP aircraft, according to preliminary performance data. The winglets can be fitted to either model at Textron Aviation service centers.

Also announced this week is an order for the 400XPR upgrade package, including winglets. Guardian Flight has ordered six upgrade kits for its fleet, which is used for aeromedical evacuation services in Alaska. First deliveries are planned in the first half of next year.

Genuine Hawker winglets are part of a factory-approved and supported upgrade for older Beechjet/Hawker 400s. The heart of the 400XPR is a new powerplant, in the form of the Williams International FJ44-4A-32. Combined with the winglets, the new engines are projected to generate a 33-percent range increase, while allowing the aircraft to reach FL450 in 19 minutes at maximum takeoff weight.

Other elements of the Hawker 400XPR package include upgrades to the exterior, cabin and cockpit. Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 and Garmin G5000 avionics suites can be installed.

As well as improving fuel economy by reducing induced drag, the winglets reduce time-to-climb, improve high-altitude stability and improve low-speed handling as a function of the wing-area increase they impose. The winglets feature LED position lights, and come with a two-year warranty and an average lifetime of 5,000 hours.