Hawker Aircraft Limited started off as a British aircraft manufacturer in 1920. Following several mergers – including the Hawker Siddeley Group in 1963 – the manufacturer became the now-defunct Hawker Beechcraft Corporation in 2006 before being acquired by Textron Aviation. Through the years, the manufacturer developed several private aircraft, including these seven notable Hawker models.
1 Hawker 200
The Premier II
The Hawker 200, initially known as the Beechcraft Premier II, is a light jet that first took flight in December 1998. Developed to offer better performance than its predecessor, the Premier I, the Hawker 200 features a more powerful engine and enhanced aerodynamics. According to Airliners.net, it was designed to compete with the Cessna CitationJet series.
In October 2010, Hawker Beechcraft announced that it was rebranding and upgrading the Premier II to the Hawker 200. Unfortunately, just the following year, the manufacturer revealed it was slowing down production due to economic uncertainty. Ultimately, 292 units of the Hawker 200 were produced between 2001 and 2021, per FlightGlobal.
Key characteristics:
- Range: 830 nautical miles (950 miles / 1,530 km)
- Maximum Speed: 454 knots (523 mph / 841 km/h)
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 6 passengers
2 Hawker 400
The Beechjet 400
In 1978, the Hawker 400 made its maiden flight. At the time, it was known as the Mitsubishi MU-300 Diamond – designed and built by the Japanese manufacturer. Offering a combination of speed, comfort, and efficiency, this light jet is known for its spacious cabin, making it a popular choice for short-haul business travel.
In 1985, the jet’s rights were acquired and rebranded by Beechcraft, later becoming the Hawker 400, also known as the Beechjet 400. According to rzjets.net, the aircraft was in production from 1978 to 2009, with a total of 951 units built (92 Mitsubishi Diamonds and 859 Beechjet 400s).
Interestingly, there is a military version of the jet, known as the T-1 Jayhawk. Introduced in 1992, the Jayhawk is used by the United States Air Force for advanced pilot training. The Japan Air Self-Defence Force also uses a similar variant.
Key characteristics:
Passenger Capacity: Up to 9 passengers
Range: 2,160 nautical miles (2,490 miles / 4,000 km)
Maximum Speed: 468 knots (539 mph / 866 km/h)
3 Hawker 800
Developed from the de Havilland DH. 125
This particular model has a long and storied history. In 1961, it started off as the DH. 125 Jet Dragon, designed by de Havilland. The DH. 125 was manufactured by Hawker Siddeley until 1977, before becoming the British Aerospace 125 when BAe took over production.
It was then produced by US manufacturer Raytheon from 1993 to 2007, followed by Hawker Beechcraft in 2007, until it ceased production in 2013. It was at this time that the aircraft became the Hawker 800 iteration that we know today.
According to Air Charter Service, the Hawker 800 (along with the 800XP and 850XP variants) is one of the most successful and enduring lines in the Hawker jet family. Known for its robust performance and luxurious cabin, the 800 model is a favorite among corporate travelers.
Key characteristics:
- Range: 2,580 nautical miles (2,970 miles / 4,780 km)
- Maximum Speed: 456 knots (525 mph / 845 km/h)
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
4 Hawker 1000
Another derivative of the DH. 125
The Hawker 1000 has the same production history as the 800, developed from the DH. 125. It was designed as an extended-range version of the 800 series, aimed at meeting the demands of long-haul flights, per Business & Commercial Aviation.
The super-midsize jet offers a larger cabin and increased fuel capacity, making it one of the most versatile jets in its class at the time. The 1000 combines comfort, performance, and efficiency, making it a top choice for international business travel.
Key characteristics:
- Range: 3,098 nautical miles (3,565 miles / 5,739 km)
- Maximum Speed: 470 knots (541 mph / 870 km/h)
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 9 passengers
5 Hawker 750
A new and improved Hawker 800
Based on the name, one might assume the Hawker 750 came before 800. However, the former is, in fact, a newer variant of the Hawker 800. According to Aerospace Technology, the Hawker 750 is a mid-size jet that was unveiled at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in October 2006.
The 750 provides the same reliable performance as the 800 series but with 32 square feet (3 square meters) of additional baggage capacity. This model also boasts increased brake energy capacity, increased de-icing fluid tank capacity, and significantly improved cabin cooling.
Key characteristics:
- Range: 2,100 nautical miles (2,417 miles / 3,889 km)
- Maximum Speed: 447 knots (514 mph / 827 km/h)
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
6 Hawker 900XP
Yet another development of the Hawker 800
The Hawker 900XP is another upgraded version of the 800 model that was launched alongside the 750 in October 2006. Powered by new Honeywell Aerospace TFE 731-50R turbofan engines, the Hawker 900XP features enhanced performance, improved payload capabilities, and upgraded systems, per Aerospace Technology.
The engines provide lower specific fuel consumption and increased thrust at altitude, making the 900XP ideal for operations in hot and high airfields. Coupled with its composite winglets, the Hawker 900XP offers higher cruise speeds compared to the previous 800 model.
Key characteristics:
- Range: 2,929 nautical miles (3,372 miles / 5,426 km)
- Maximum Speed: 447 knots (514 mph / 827 km/h)
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
7 Hawker 4000
The Hawker Horizon
The Hawker 4000, also known as the Hawker Horizon, represents the pinnacle of the Hawker jet line. First publicly showcased in November 2002 at the NBAA convention, this super-midsize jet boasts cutting-edge technology and was the first aircraft in its class to feature a carbon composite fuselage.
Photo: Fasttailwind | Shutterstock
Despite its potential as a game-changing private jet, the Hawker 4000 did not fare too well on the market, thanks to a combination of development delays, competition from well-established Bombardier and Gulfstream aircraft, and the looming global financial crisis. All in all, only 72 units of the Hawker 4000 were produced between 2001 and 2013, per rzjets.net.
Key characteristics:
- Range: 3,445 nautical miles (3,965 miles / 6,380 km)
- Maximum Speed: 482 knots (555 mph / 893 km/h)
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 14 passengers