Aircraft overview

The Beechcraft Beechjet 400 is a light business jet produced by Beech Aircraft after the company acquired the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond program in the mid 1980s. The original MU-300 first flew in 1978, while Beechjet 400 production ran from 1986 to 1990 before the improved 400A followed. It matters in the used market because it represents the first Beech built version of a design that later evolved into the Beechjet 400A, Hawker 400XP and related derivatives, with a recognizable cabin cross section and efficient short to medium range mission profile.

Performance & specifications

The Beechcraft Beechjet 400 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 turbofans, each rated at about 2,900 pounds of thrust. Typical high speed cruise is in the mid 400 knot range, with long range cruise lower depending on weight and conditions. Published range is commonly cited at about 1,300 nautical miles under suitable reserves and loading. The aircraft has a certified ceiling of 45,000 feet. Buyers should note that payload, runway performance and range depend heavily on equipment fit, fuel load, temperature and airport elevation.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin is typically arranged for seven to eight passengers, often with a forward refreshment area, club seating and an aft belted lavatory. Compared with many light jets of its era, the Beechjet 400 offers a relatively squared cabin profile, giving useful shoulder room for executive seating. Original avionics are normally Collins based, typically from the Pro Line family with era appropriate flight directors, autopilot, weather radar and navigation radios. Garmin Perspective and Garmin G1000 are not original or typical factory suites for this model. Many aircraft have been updated with GPS navigation, transponders, ADS-B Out, modern audio panels and compliance equipment.

Buying & value

For used aircraft buyers, the Beechcraft Beechjet 400 is generally positioned below later Beechjet 400A and Hawker 400XP aircraft in acquisition cost. Due diligence should focus on engine remaining life and program status, airframe hours and cycles, inspection history, corrosion checks, fuel system condition, avionics supportability and cabin refurbishment quality. It is important to confirm whether an aircraft is an original Beechjet 400 rather than a 400A or later branded derivative, as performance, systems and market value differ. Common value drivers include RVSM status, ADS-B compliance, WAAS GPS capability, recent paint and interior, and clear maintenance records from recognized shops.