Country of origin:

Japan/United States of America

Description:

Light corporate executive aircraft

Power Plant:

Two 2,900 lb st Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 turbofans

Specifications:

History:

After the success of the MU-2 series, Mitsubishi decided to proceed further into the world of light executive transport and designed the MU-300 Diamond, two prototypes of which were built, the first flying on 29 August 1978. At the conclusion of the development programme they were shipped to the United States where the company’s subsidiary, Mitsubishi Aircraft International Inc, designated the type the Diamond I and they were used to obtain US certification, this being granted on 6 November 1981.

In October 1983 Mitsubishi announced it was developing the Diamond II, this having the same airframe with 2,000 lbst Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 turbofans. Subsequently the Model IA appeared, deliveries commencing in January 1984. This model differed from the original production series in having up-rated engines with thrust-reversers, and a number of refinements designed to improve balanced field length and cruise performance.

A total of 61 examples of the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond I was built before production switched to the Model IA and later the Model II. Mitsubishi built 11 Mitsubishi MU-300-10 Diamond II aircraft before Beechcraft obtained production rights and developed the type as the Model 400, the first deliveries of which began in June 1986, the first Model 400A flying on 22 September 1989.

The model 400A was chosen by the USAF as the T-1A Jayhawk, 211 examples being ordered. The 400A differed from the 400 in having an increased interior volume, relocated fuel tank, an improved flight deck and increased payload. Standard accommodation was for a crew of two and seven passengers, although up to nine could be carried. The type was later completely manufactured in the United States. Beechcraft was eventually acquired by Hawker and became Hawker Beechcraft.

In 1984 Interair of Melbourne, VIC imported a Diamond I and it became VH-JEP (c/n A0488A ex M335DM). It was modified to Model IA standard and sold overseas in 1986, becoming N335DM.

Examples of the series which have operated in this region have included: VH-BBJ (c/n RK-26) imported as a demonstrator by Hawker Pacific, later being operated by Impulse Airlines as VH-IMP before being exported in March 1998 as N700GB; and VH-BJD (c/n RK-35) operated by McRoss Developments from October 1994 to January 1997, at various times using the registrations VH-BJD and VH-LAW, being exported in January 1999 as N435CW.

VH-PNL (c/n RK-139 – ex N1099S) was operated by the Moran Health Care Group from July 1999 to March 2002 when it became VH-MZL with Flight Charter Service. In November 2003 ownership of VH-MZL was transferred to Buzz Aviation Pty Ltd, the aircraft becoming VH-BZL. VH-BJC (c/n RK-154) was operated by Beechjet Charter and later Executive Airlines from April 1998, becoming VH-EXH in May 2001; and VH-YRC (c/n RK-222 – ex N482RK) arrived in Sydney in January 2006.

Others have operated in this region, including: N8167Y (c/n RK-67) which operated from September 1995 to December 1995, and April 1996 to January 1997 with the BAe Australian Aviation College; N3197Q (c/n RK-97) which was operated by Sydney Jet Charter from February 2005.

Further examples have been registered: VH-OVS (c/n RK-239) with Asia Pacific Jets Pty Ltd on 18 December 2013; and VH-EIG (c/n RK-406), owned by Business Aviation Solutions of Toronto, NSW, operated by Care Flight Ltd of Wentworthville, NSW from 10 September 2014. On 8 September 2017 a 400XP was registered as VH-EIH4 (c/n RK-550 – ex N484TM, CS-DMW, N3500R), being operated by Care Flight Ltd of Wentworthville, NSW.