A Legacy of British Elegance in Business Aviation
The Hawker business jet lineage is one of the most storied in private aviation. Originally developed in the United Kingdom by de Havilland in the 1960s, the aircraft that would become the “Hawker” was later produced under Hawker Siddeley, then British Aerospace (BAe), before being acquired by Raytheon in the 1990s. Under Raytheon and subsequently Hawker Beechcraft, the Hawker name grew into one of the best-known midsize business jet families in the world.
The first model, the de Havilland DH.125 Jet Dragon, made its maiden flight in 1962. It was a small twinjet designed for efficiency and comfort, tailored to a growing market of executives seeking fast, flexible transport. After de Havilland’s acquisition by Hawker Siddeley, the aircraft became known as the HS.125, and quickly gained popularity in both corporate and military service.
Over the decades, the jet was progressively updated with new avionics, engines, and interiors, eventually evolving into the Hawker 700, 800, and 1000 series, which became synonymous with midsize corporate aviation. These aircraft were widely used by corporations, charter operators, and governments worldwide due to their reliability, spacious cabins, and ability to operate into shorter runways than many competitors.
In the 2000s, Hawker Beechcraft modernized the lineup with the Hawker 750, 850XP, and 900XP, offering improved performance, extended range, and cabin refinements. The Hawker 4000, a super-midsize jet with composite fuselage technology, was launched as the most advanced Hawker ever built. Despite technological innovation, financial difficulties led Hawker Beechcraft into bankruptcy in 2012, after which Textron Aviation took over, discontinuing the Hawker line to focus on Beechcraft King Air turboprops and Cessna Citation jets.
Though no longer in production, thousands of Hawker jets remain in service globally, supported by Textron Aviation’s maintenance network. Their enduring reputation for comfort, efficiency, and reliability has secured Hawker’s place in business aviation history.
Timeline of Hawker Jet Development
1960s–1970s
The Beginning
- 1962 – de Havilland DH.125 first flight (later renamed HS.125).
- 1964 – HS.125 enters service, establishing the family’s reputation in the light-to-midsize jet category.
- 1970s – BAe 125 Series 400/600: Upgraded avionics, more powerful engines, improved range.
1980s
Expansion and Growth
- 1981 – BAe 125-700 (Hawker 700): Pratt & Whitney engines, extended range, improved efficiency.
- 1983 – BAe 125-800 (Hawker 800): Major redesign with increased fuel capacity, more range, new avionics.
- 1989 – BAe 125-1000 (Hawker 1000): Stretched, transcontinental model with intercontinental range.
1990s
Raytheon Acquisition and Modernization
- 1993 – Raytheon acquires BAe’s business jet line, rebrands as Hawker.
- 1995 – Hawker 800XP introduced, becoming one of the best-selling midsize jets.
- 1996 – Hawker 400XP (Beechjet 400) integrated into the Hawker line after Raytheon acquired Beechcraft.
2000s
New Generations and Ambitions
- 2006 – Hawker 850XP: Winglets and extended range.
- 2007 – Hawker 750: Shorter-range, lower-cost version of the 800XP with a spacious cabin.
- 2007 – Hawker 900XP: Enhanced engines and range, becoming the flagship midsize Hawker.
- 2008 – Hawker 4000: Super-midsize composite fuselage jet, the most technologically advanced Hawker, but produced in limited numbers due to economic challenges.
2010s
End of Production
- 2012 – Hawker Beechcraft bankruptcy, halting Hawker jet production.
- 2014 – Textron Aviation acquires Beechcraft and Hawker assets, discontinuing Hawker jets but continuing aftermarket support.
