Hawker 400XP vs Cessna Citation Encore & Encore+

How do the Hawker 400XP, the Cessna Citation Encore, and the Citation Encore+ compare side-by-side? What are the advantages offered by each model? Mike Chase analyses the performance and productivity parameters.

Mike Chase  |  01st November 2020
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Mike Chase
Mike Chase

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product...

Over the following paragraphs we’ll consider key productivity parameters for the Hawker 400XPCessna Citation Encore and Encore+ (including payload, range, speed, and cabin size) to establish which aircraft provides the better value in the Light Jet market.

Does speed drive a decision to buy an aircraft over having one with greater range? It is hoped that the following jet comparison will help clarify.

Hawker 400XP

The Hawker 400XP replaced the Beechjet 400A, starting with serial number RK-354. The Hawker 400XP entered operation in 2004 and ended production in 2010. The aircraft offers an increased gross weight and several standard features that were optional on the Beechjet 400A.

Interestingly, a Hawker 400XPR (with ‘R’ representing ‘more range’) was later offered though only five are in operation today. The full Hawker 400XPR package includes Hawker Winglets and new Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines – a combination offering a 33% increase in range, and improvements in runway and hot/high performance.

Today, there are 210 wholly-owned Hawker 400XP business jets in operation worldwide; an additional two in fractional ownership; and seven in shared ownership (giving a total global fleet of 219). Five units have been retired.

Citation Encore/Encore+

The Citation Encore derives from the Citation Ultra and is one of the largest straight-wing members of Cessna's Citation family. When certified in 2000, the Encore introduced new Pratt & Whitney PW535 engines, more fuel payload, updated interior and improved systems.

Eventually Cessna improved the original Encore with its Citation Encore+, powered by two PW535B engines, incorporating a FADEC system to reduce pilot workload. Collins’ Pro Line 21 avionics system replaced the Encore’s Honeywell Primus 1000, and is lighter in weight. The result is an improvement in payload capability (to 1,090lbs with full tanks), while a slight increase in wing length improves high-altitude flying and climb of the Encore+.

Hawker 400XP light jet flies low towards runway
How much do the jets cost?
Hawker 400XP
$1.65 m
Cessna Citation Encore
$2.60 m
Cessna Citation Encore+
$3.50 m
What is the payload?
Hawker 400XP
2,015 lbs
Cessna Citation Encore
2,000 lbs
Cessna Citation Encore+
2,310 lbs
How many Passengers
Hawker 400XP
8
Cessna Citation Encore
7
Cessna Citation Encore+
7
What is the range?
Hawker 400XP
1,333 nm
Cessna Citation Encore
1,675 nm
Cessna Citation Encore+
1,675 nm
What's the long range cruising speed
Hawker 400XP
414 knots
Cessna Citation Encore
375 knots
Cessna Citation Encore+
375 knots
What's the cost per hour
Hawker 400XP
US$2,332
Cessna Citation Encore
US$2,547
Cessna Citation Encore+
US$2,359

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Mike Chase

Mike Chase

Editor, Aircraft Comparisons

Michael Chase owns Chase & Associates, an aviation consulting firm specialized in industry product and market research in the Commercial & Business Aviation sectors.

With over five decades of extensive experience, Michael has worked as a director of special projects for JETNET, LLC; served as Senior Management Consultant for Sabre Holding; and was Director of Market & Sales Research for Gulfstream Aerospace, leading sales and product research, including feasibility and viability studies.


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