RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio, 13 June 2008. Nextant Aerospace has completed base-line flight tests for the Nextant 400NXT program. Test flights using modified aircraft have been completed on schedule and with expected results.

Base-line data collected during these test flights will be used to validate performance improvements, fuel savings, and weight reductions as part of the 400NXT program.

"We are excited about the on schedule completion of the initial test flight program for the 400NXT. The data collected as part of these was essential to ensuring that the 400NXT will outperform all other light jets at its price point," says Mark O'Donnell, vice president of manufacturing for Nextant Aerospace.

The Nextant 400NXT is designed to overcome limitations to the Hawker Beechjet 400XP/400A. By replacing the existing outdated Pratt & Whitney JT15D engines with the Williams International FJ44-3AP computer-controlled engines and incorporating new Rockwell Collins Proline 21 avionics suites, the range of the 400NXT will be increased from 1180 nautical miles to more than 2000 (4 passenger, NBAA IFR range). In addition to a 27 percent reduction in operating costs based on fuel savings alone.

The 400NXT will be offered as a remanufactured serialized production aircraft as well as a modification retrofit program. Fully modified, the 400NXT will sell for less than $5 million.