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| STANDARD DATA: Seats: 2+6; Gross weight: 12,500 lbs.; Empty weight: 8,470 lbs.; Fuel capacity: 548 gals.; Engines: two 2,300 lb. Williams FJ44-2A. PERFORMANCE: Max cruise: 451 kts.; Range: 826-1,502 nm; Ceiling: 41,000 nm; Takeoff distance: 3,792 ft.; Landing distance: 3,170 ft. |
After the problems with developing the composite Beech Starship, it’s to Raytheon’s credit that they had the courage to take on another composite project, the Premier I. The entry-level jet has a composite fuselage, empennage and control surfaces built of graphite and epoxy laminates with honeycomb construction, totaling more than a million miles of carbon-fiber filaments. The wings are aluminum.
Unlike many entry-level jets that typically settle for 300 knots and a ceiling of 30,000 feet, the Premier offers typical jet speed and altitudes. The Premier I is also certified for single-pilot operation.
