Light Jet - Legacy Production
Beechjet 400A: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Beech Aircraft Company (later Raytheon, Hawker Beechcraft)
Beechjet 400A: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Beechjet 400A, produced from 1990 to 2003, is the long-running and widely-deployed light business jet whose lineage traces back to the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond of 1978. Beech Aircraft Company acquired the design rights from Mitsubishi in 1985 and introduced the improved Beechjet 400 in 1986, followed by the substantially upgraded 400A in 1989 (FAA certified June 1990). Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 turbofans producing 2,900 lbf each, the 400A delivers up to 1,885 nautical miles of range, 446-465 ktas (Mach 0.78) maximum cruise, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. Beech built 421 Beechjet 400 and 400A aircraft before Raytheon's acquisition led to the rebranded Hawker 400XP successor (2004-2010). Pre-owned market today: $500,000 to $1.5 million.
For operators wanting a proven light jet with strong cabin economy and competitive cruise speed at attainable acquisition cost, the Beechjet 400A remains a strong choice on the pre-owned market.
Beechjet 400A Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2003 (replaced by Hawker 400XP) |
| Original Concept | Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond (1978) |
| Mitsubishi Diamond IA | 11 aircraft built (later Beechjet 400) |
| Beechcraft Acquires Rights | 1985 |
| Beechjet 400 Production Begins | 1986 |
| Beechjet 400A FAA Certification | June 1990 |
| Beechjet 400A Production Years | 1990 to 2003 |
| Total Beech 400/400A Built | 421 |
| Hawker Rebranding | 1993 (Raytheon acquires Hawker line) |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 7 |
| Passengers (Max) | 11 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,500 nm typical; up to 1,885 nm in optimum conditions |
| Max Cruise Speed | 446 to 465 ktas (Mach 0.78) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 410 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft (FL450) |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 |
| Thrust per Engine | 2,900 lbf (5,800 lbf total) |
| Engine Inspection Interval | 3,500 hours |
| Avionics | Collins Pro Line 4 |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 16,100 lbs |
| Max Payload | 2,172 lbs |
| Cabin Volume | 305 cu ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 53 cu ft |
| Original Price (1986 Beechjet 400) | $3,475,000 |
| Original Price (1990 Beechjet 400A) | $4,580,000 |
| Original Price (2003 Final Production) | $6,650,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $500,000 to $1,500,000 (400/400A) |
History and the Mitsubishi-to-Beechcraft-to-Hawker Lineage
The Beechjet 400A has one of the more complex corporate lineages in business aviation:
Platform timeline:
- August 29, 1978: Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond first flight
- 1978-1985: Mitsubishi builds 89 MU-300 Diamonds
- 1985: Mitsubishi produces 11 Diamond IA aircraft (later rebranded as Beechjet 400)
- 1985: Mitsubishi sells design rights to Beech Aircraft Company
- 1986: Beechjet 400 announced and certified (May 1986)
- 1989: Beechjet 400A introduced
- June 1990: Beechjet 400A FAA type certification
- 1993: Raytheon acquires Hawker business jet line from British Aerospace
- 1994: Raytheon merges Hawker and Beech into Raytheon Aircraft Co.
- Briefly: Aircraft renamed Raytheon Beechjet 400A
- 2003: Beechjet 400A/Hawker 400 production ends
- 2004: Hawker 400XP successor enters production
- 2010: Hawker 400XP production ends
Beech built 421 total Beechjet 400 and 400A aircraft. Hawker Beechcraft built additional 400XP aircraft from 2004-2010.
Key Improvements: 400 to 400A
The Beechjet 400A introduced multiple upgrades over the original Beechjet 400:
- Increased payload: Higher MTOW
- Increased ceiling: To 45,000 ft
- Greater maximum landing weight: Operational flexibility
- 150 lb more fuel storage: Extended range
- Greater cabin volume: Improved passenger comfort
- Rear lavatory: Standard
- Improved cabin soundproofing: Quieter ride
- Collins Pro Line 4 avionics: All-glass cockpit
- Enhanced amenities: Refined interior
The Beech-Power program was a unique innovation: buyers could purchase the airframe while leasing the engines, reducing upfront acquisition cost. This program made Beechjet 400A ownership accessible to a broader buyer pool.
Cabin Interior
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Volume | 305 cubic ft |
| Passenger Capacity (Standard) | 7 to 8 |
| Maximum Capacity | 11 |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 7-Seat: Four-seat club in center + two rear seats + one forward opposite galley
- 9-Seat Layout: Adds one extra cabin seat plus one in lavatory
- Up to 11 Maximum: Various configurations
Cabin Features
- Full-size lavatory: Standard
- Refreshment center: Hot and cold refreshment options
- Swivel and recline seats: All passenger seats
- Optional lie-down beds: Some seats convert
- Enhanced soundproofing: Improved over Beechjet 400
- Six-suitcase baggage capacity: 53 cu ft total
- Stand-up cabin: Roomier than competing Citation II/Bravo
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 446 to 465 ktas (Mach 0.78) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 410 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, typical) | 1,500 nm |
| Range (Optimum) | 1,885 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
The 400A is faster than the Citation II/Bravo (446 ktas vs 385-405 ktas) and the Learjet 31A (slower in some configurations), making it competitive with mid-range light jets.
Climb Performance
The 400A is certified to operate at Flight Level 450 (45,000 ft) and is known for impressive climb rates that allow rapid altitude acquisition.
Typical Mission Examples
- Los Angeles to Chicago (1,512 nm) - achievable
- New York to Miami (956 nm) - comfortable
- Houston to Boston (1,531 nm) - achievable
- London to Geneva (407 nm) - comfortable
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 turbofan engines, each producing 2,900 lbf of thrust (5,800 lbf total). Engine inspection interval: 3,500 hours.
The Beech-Power program offered engine leasing to reduce buyer capital requirements, a notable innovation for the era.
Avionics
Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suite:
- Digital flight control system: Standard
- Flight management system (FMS): Standard
- Color weather radar: Standard
- Radio altimeter: Standard
- Rosemount air data system: Standard
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV, modern GPS upgrades
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~160 gph) | $1,120 to $1,440 |
| Engine Reserve | $325 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $380 |
| Misc Variable | $220 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,045 to $2,365/hr |
Annual operating budget:
- 200 hours: $670,000
- 400 hours: $1,000,000+
- Fixed costs: $200,000
- Variable: $350K (200 hr) to $715K (400 hr)
Charter rates: $3,000 to $3,800 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2001 to 2003 Beechjet 400A (final production) | $1,200,000 to $1,500,000 |
| 1996 to 2000 Beechjet 400A | $900,000 to $1,200,000 |
| 1990 to 1995 Beechjet 400A (early production) | $500,000 to $900,000 |
| Original Beechjet 400 (1986-1989) | $400,000 to $750,000 |
The current average retail sales value of a Beechjet 400A is $1.5 million per Aircraft Bluebook. Beechcraft discontinued the jet line but Textron Aviation still offers parts and engineering support.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Single Engine Turboprop: Twin-jet capability at attainable cost
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: Reliable workhorse with 305 cu ft cabin
- Charter Operators: Strong dispatch reliability and cabin space
- Operators Wanting Roomier Cabin Than Citation II: 305 cu ft vs 278 cu ft
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You require modern integrated touchscreen avionics
- You need to operate from short fields (longer balanced field length)
- You don't want engine program planning (3,500 hour TBO)
Beechjet 400A vs Light Jet Competitors
| Aircraft | Range | Max Cruise | Cabin | Pre-Owned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beechjet 400A | 1,500-1,885 nm | 446-465 ktas | 305 cu ft | $0.5M-$1.5M |
| Citation Bravo | 1,720 nm | 405 ktas | 278 cu ft | $0.8M-$2.9M |
| Citation V Ultra | 1,960 nm | 425 ktas | 310 cu ft | $1.5M-$2.4M |
| Learjet 31A | 1,415 nm | 460 ktas | Smaller | $1.0M-$2.5M |
| Hawker 400XP (successor) | 1,180 nm | 450 ktas | 305 cu ft | $1.5M-$3M |
The 400A's strengths: roomier and faster than Citation Bravo, more range than Learjet 31A, and substantially more attainable than Citation V Ultra.
Pros and Cons
What the Beechjet 400A Does Well
- 446-465 ktas cruise (faster than Citation II/Bravo)
- 305 cu ft cabin (roomier than Citation II/V)
- 1,500-1,885 nm range
- Collins Pro Line 4 all-glass cockpit
- Full-size lavatory standard
- Beech-Power engine leasing program option
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
- Strong dispatch reliability
Tradeoffs to Understand
- 3,500 hour engine TBO (relatively short)
- Two-pilot operation required
- Beechcraft no longer produces (Textron parts/engineering only)
- Higher fuel burn than competing Williams FJ44-powered aircraft
- Cabin pressurization less than some competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a Beechjet 400A fly?
The Beechjet 400A has a maximum NBAA IFR range of approximately 1,500 nautical miles in typical conditions, up to 1,885 nm in optimum conditions.
What is the difference between Beechjet 400 and 400A?
The Beechjet 400A (1990) added higher MTOW, increased ceiling (45,000 ft), greater maximum landing weight, 150 lb more fuel storage, greater cabin volume, a rear lavatory, improved soundproofing, and the Collins Pro Line 4 all-glass cockpit over the original Beechjet 400.
What is the difference between Beechjet 400A and Hawker 400XP?
The Hawker 400XP (2004-2010) was the successor to the Beechjet 400A produced under the Hawker Beechcraft brand. Specifications are similar with refinements to interior, systems, and minor performance enhancements. The 400XP has approximately 1,180 nm range vs the 400A's 1,500-1,885 nm.
How many Beechjet 400A aircraft were built?
Beech built 421 total Beechjet 400 and 400A aircraft from 1986 to 2003. Additional 400XP variants were built by Hawker Beechcraft from 2004 to 2010.
Where did the Beechjet 400A originate?
The Beechjet 400A traces back to the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond, first flown August 29, 1978. Mitsubishi sold the design rights to Beech Aircraft Company in 1985, who then developed the Beechjet 400 and 400A variants.
What is the Beech-Power program?
The Beech-Power program was a unique innovation allowing buyers to purchase the Beechjet 400A airframe while leasing the engines, reducing upfront acquisition cost and making ownership more accessible.
Is the Beechjet 400A single-pilot certified?
The Beechjet 400A requires two pilots.
The Bottom Line
The Beechjet 400A is one of the most-attainable, well-supported light jets on the pre-owned market. At current pricing of $500,000 to $1.5 million, the 400A delivers genuine 446-465 ktas cruise, 305 cu ft cabin (roomier than the Citation II/V family), Collins Pro Line 4 glass cockpit, and proven reliability over a 40+ year lineage from Mitsubishi MU-300 to current Hawker 400XP. The tradeoffs are real (3,500 hr engine TBO, two-pilot operation, no current production support beyond parts), but for operators willing to manage engine programs and accept legacy avionics, the 400A remains a strong value choice.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Beechjet 400A market intelligence, pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs and Beech-Power lease status.
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Book a Beechjet 400A on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Beechjet 400A and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Beechjet 400A availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
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Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Beechjet 400A to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Beechjet 400A Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Beechjet 400A operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Beechjet 400A for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Beechjet 400A for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Beechjet 400A-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Beechjet 400A flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Beechjet 400A retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Beechjet 400A-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Beechjet 400A fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Beechjet 400A for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Mitsubishi Diamond IA: Original Predecessor
- Hawker 400XP: Successor Variant (2004-2010)
- Citation Bravo: Direct Competitor
- Citation V Ultra: Direct Competitor
Production of the Beechjet 400A ended in 2003. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Textron Aviation provides parts and engineering support. Specifications accurate as of 2026.