About the BEECH 400
The Beechcraft 400, often referred to as the Beechjet 400, is a light jet aircraft introduced by Beechcraft in the 1980s. The aircraft's origins trace back to the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond, which first flew in 1978. Beechcraft acquired the production rights to the MU-300 in 1985 and subsequently rebranded it as the Beechjet 400, later evolving into the Beechcraft 400A and 400XP models. The Beechjet 400 marked Beechcraft's entry into the competitive light jet market, offering a modern, efficient alternative to other small jets of the time. One notable aspect of the Beechjet 400 was its composite wing structure and aerodynamically clean design, contributing to its excellent performance characteristics. The aircraft featured a T-tail, swept wing, and was powered by Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 turbofan engines, allowing it to achieve a maximum cruise speed of over 450 knots and a range of approximately 1,400 nautical miles. The cabin could accommodate up to eight passengers and was designed to provide a comfortable travel experience with a stand-up aisle and club seating arrangement. The Beechcraft 400A introduced in 1990 offered several improvements such as increased payload, upgraded avionics, and an overall enhancement in performance and reliability. Following the success of the 400A, the 400XP variant was launched, which included further advanced avionics and interior upgrades. Throughout its production, the Beechjet 400 series served a niche market of corporate executives, fractional ownership programs, and charter operations, offering an optimal balance of speed, comfort, and operating economics. Another significant aspect of the Beechcraft 400's legacy is its adaptability. The platform has been used for a variety of special missions, including military operations and training, under the designation T-1A Jayhawk by the United States Air Force for training future tanker and transport aircraft pilots. Overall, the Beechcraft 400 series remains a respected name in the light jet category, known for its reliability, comfort, and performance.