Richmond Heights, Ohio-based Nextant Aerospace yesterday announced its 400NXT Beechjet retrofit and modernization program and Pro Line 21 cockpit upgrade for Beechjets and Hawker 400XPs. According to Nextant CEO Kenn Ricci, the 400NXT program will transform these twinjets into a modern, medium-range business aircraft priced for less than $5 million, including the airframe and a new interior. By replacing the Beechjet’s Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D engines with FADEC-equipped Williams FJ44-3AP engines and incorporating new Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, the NBAA IFR range of the 400NXT will be increased from the baseline airplane’s 1,180 nm to more than 2,000 nm (four passengers) while reducing operating costs by 27 percent. The 400NXT will be offered as a remanufactured serialized production aircraft or, for those who already own a Beechjet or Hawker 400XP, as a $2.4 million modification program. Nextant is also offering its Beechjet/Hawker 400XP Pro Line 21 cockpit retrofit as a standalone product for $390,000, which includes installation. Estimated downtime for the cockpit upgrade is two to three weeks, and STC approval is expected in the third quarter. Certification of the 400NXT is expected in early 2010.