Leading the strong Raytheon line-up at this year's NBAA Convention will be the Premier I business jet, on public show for the very first time. The aircraft displayed is the third example to join the flight test program and it will fly in to Atlanta on 12 October. It made its maiden flight on September 17 and quickly joined the other two development aircraft which have already chalked up 460 flying hours. One more test aircraft will join the program before year's end, chiefly for single-pilot certification tasks.

Raytheon currently claims more than 200 orders for the $4.53 million entry-level jet, from customers in 26 countries. As a result of increasing demand, Raytheon has decided to raise its annual production Premier I rate from 48 to 60 units.

Raytheon has a wide range of aircraft on show, both at the Georgia World Congress Center and at Peachtree DeKalb Airport. On inside indoors is a full-size cockpit and cabin mock-up of the forthcoming Hawker Horizon super mid-size business jet, which is moving steadily towards its first flight and scheduled certification in 2001.

Alongside it at Booth #8017 are a full-size mock-up of the Premier I and a King Air B200. At Peachtree DeKalb Raytheon has its entire business aircraft range on show, including the Premier I, Hawker 800XP, Beechjet 400A, Beech 1900D, King Air 350, King Air C90B, Baron 58, Bonanza A36 and Bonanza B36TC.