Hawker Beechcraft Offers Auto Throttle System on Hawkers

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation today announced that Safe Flight Instrument Corporation's AutoPower Automatic Throttle System (ATS) is now available for retrofit on existing Hawker mid-size business jets equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. The system provides very precise engine target settings, utilizing the airplane’s existing thrust levers, keeping the pilots constantly in the loop while reducing their cockpit workload. Installation of the system can be accomplished at any Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) or West Star Aviation facility.

“Precise speed is certainly a pilot workload, safety and passenger comfort consideration, but it also can make a significant difference in fuel consumption,” said Christi Tannahill, Hawker Beechcraft vice president, Global Customer Support. “Pilots reported that transition to Safe Flight’s AutoPower is intuitive, smooth and efficient and they also cited a 3.5 percent increase in fuel savings when using the system. That translates into overall range as well as added value.” 

Developed for and proven on a wide range of airline and military platforms as well as other corporate applications, AutoPower delivers accurate speed control, stabilized descent, approach and landing speeds that is fully integrated with existing avionics displays and optimized to provide Angle of Attack (AoA)-referenced speed protection.  During low altitude maneuvering, such as a circling approach, the system ensures the ability to maintain a safe minimum speed while the flight crew’s attention is outside the cockpit. 

Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Hawker Beechcraft GCS is dedicated to improving the value of HBC aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase resale value. GCS is comprised of five functional groups that include Support Plus (cost predictability/warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), Hawker Beechcraft Services (factory-owned service centers), Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications) and Global Mission Support (government business and special mission maintenance / training support).

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission, light attack and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.