Nextant Aerospace is a newcomer in the aviation industry. Founded in 2007, Nextant didn’t release their first aircraft until 2012. When they did, though, the aviation industry took notice. Nextant isn’t just another Beechcraft or Cessna, cranking aircraft out at ridiculous numbers. No, Nextant is the first of its kind.
Nextant specializes in “Aircraft Remanufacturing.” Instead of creating an entirely new aircraft, the team over at Nextant set its eyes on the now-discontinued Beechjet 400 as its first Frankenstein project. The end result is a phenomenal aircraft that is 80% new. The Nextant team replaces or refurbishes every part to a zero-time status, meaning the aircraft is essentially new. This process takes north of 5,000 hours in the labor department.
A New Way to Fly
Nextant’s approach is unprecedented in every meaning of the word. Taking the Beechjet 400 and completely gutting it down to the frame is a huge bet on the company. However, the end product is fascinating! This bare-bones starting point allows Nextant to combine various technologies and honestly offer its customers a truly customizable experience!
Part of the remanufacturing process includes updating the avionics suite. Nextant chose Rockwell Collins to install their Pro Line 21 avionics suite into the Nextant 400XT, giving the pilots a high tech office to work out of.
Nextant powers its 400XT with 3,050-pound-thrust Williams FJ44-3AP Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC) turbofan engines. These powerful engines allow the Nextant 400XT to obtain a maximum range of over 2,000 Nautical Miles.
Conclusion
Nextant aims to be the first of its kind in the aviation industry. Remanufacturing aircraft to an operationally high standard is a massive undertaking, but Nextant really nails it with the 400XT.
From a cost standpoint, you will not find a much more efficient aircraft than the Nextant 400XT. The aircraft’s ability to operate at altitudes north of 40,000 feet, while maintaining Mach 0.75 is unprecedented. Couple that with its long-range ability and fuel efficiency, Nextant has itself a flagship of an aircraft in the 400XT.
