Raytheon Hawker 400XP

The Hawker 400XP has been a top competitor since it broke onto the market, and it is ideal for shorter trips; it strikes a perfect balance between low operating costs, performance and comfort. Those who fly in the 400XP highly praise the jet because of its spacious cabin, but in reality, the cabin is no bigger than any other 400 series jet. The only thing that has changed is the layout, and like every other part of the plane, the cabin's designers paid great attention to detail. The 400XP's cabin has an oval shape and a flat floor, getting the most out of the space.

The external and internal storage space is 53 cubic feet, and the jet seats seven in an updated seating arrangement. Many design details escape the eye of passengers, but almost every passenger enjoys flying in the 400XP's well-appointed, spacious cabin. However, the jet's true strength isn't apparent until it is in flight. The 400XP has a cruising speed of 400+ knots, and it is powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofans. Those that have flown the 400XP have high praise for the Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suite, saying that the jet is very reliable and stable.

The 400XP came about after years of work by Raytheon Beechjet Aircraft Corp, which bought the rights to the jet from Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The original company intended the jet to be the best available in the charter industry, and called it, appropriately enough, the MU-300 Diamond. When Beechcraft took over, they modified the jet's design and began production in Kansas, calling it the Beechjet 400. For five years after the release of the Beechjet 400, the maker continued to improve upon the design, coming out with the 400A, then finally the Hawker 400 XP.