About the RAYTHEON CORPORATE JETS INC BAE 125-800A
The Hawker 800, produced by Raytheon Corporate Jets Inc., is a significant model in the lineage of British Aerospace (BAe) and later Raytheon (Hawker Beechcraft) medium-sized corporate jets. The origins of this aircraft date back to the mid-1980s when British Aerospace decided to upgrade its highly successful BAe 125 series. The objective was to produce a more efficient, higher performance, and cost-effective jet for the corporate aviation market, which demanded greater range and comfort without sacrificing operational flexibility.
The BAe 125 underwent extensive redesign and enhancements, resulting in the launch of the Hawker 800 in 1983. The aircraft was named after Harry Hawker, a pioneer in British aviation. The Hawker 800 featured a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine, the Honeywell TFE731-5R-1H, which offered improved performance over its predecessors. Additionally, the Hawker 800 incorporated a redesigned cockpit with advanced avionics, providing better operational capabilities and flight safety.
Key Features and Capabilities
One of the key advantages of the Hawker 800 series was its cabin design. The cabin offered stand-up headroom, spacious seating arrangements, and high-end amenities, making it an attractive choice for business executives and charter operations. The aircraft could comfortably seat 8 passengers, ensuring a luxurious and functional environment suitable for long-haul flights.
Raytheon's acquisition of the BAe 125 series manufacturing rights in 1993 marked a significant milestone. The aircraft continued to evolve, leading to newer variants like the Hawker 800XP, which boasted improved range and performance capabilities. The Hawker 800 series served a niche market of mid-sized business jets, ideal for missions requiring a balance of cost-efficiency, range, and passenger comfort.
Market Position and Use Cases
Operational flexibility, including the ability to operate from shorter runways and various airport types, further contributed to its widespread adoption. The series has left a lasting mark on the business aviation sector, known for its reliability, robust performance, and luxurious passenger experience.