Hawker 800 & 800XP: Performance & luxury in midsize private jets

Hawker 800, Hawker 800XP, private jet, business jet, mid-size jet, aircraft comparison, private aviation, luxury travel, jet charter, aircraft performance

The enduring legacy of the Hawker 800 and 800XP: Midsize jet excellence

The Hawker 800 series has long been a stalwart in the mid-size business jet category, renowned for its robust performance, comfortable cabin, and impressive reliability. Evolving from the British Aerospace BAe 125 series, the original Hawker 800 entered service in 1983, quickly establishing itself as a popular choice for corporate and private travel. Its design focused on striking a balance between efficiency, range, and passenger comfort, laying the groundwork for subsequent successful iterations.

The Hawker 800 distinguished itself with a spacious cabin for its class, typically accommodating up to eight passengers. Its interior design often featured a comfortable club seating arrangement, a divan, and a forward-facing seat, allowing for flexible configurations. Furthermore, the aircraft offered stand-up headroom throughout most of the cabin, a significant advantage for passenger comfort on longer flights. With a range capable of connecting major cities across continents, the Hawker 800 provided a practical and economical solution for a wide range of mission profiles.

Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Hawker 800XP (Extended Performance) was introduced in 1995 and quickly became one of the most sought-after private jets in its class. The "XP" designation signified a notable upgrade, primarily in its powerplant. The 800XP was equipped with more powerful Honeywell TFE731-5BR engines, which delivered increased thrust compared to the 800's TFE731-5R-1H engines. This enhancement translated directly into improved hot-and-high performance, faster climb rates, and a more robust payload capacity.

Beyond engine upgrades, the Hawker 800XP also saw enhancements to its avionics and overall performance envelope. While retaining the popular cabin dimensions and comfort features of the original 800, the XP variant boasted an extended range of approximately 2,500 nautical miles with four passengers, making it even more versatile for transcontinental journeys. Its improved takeoff and landing performance allowed it to operate from a wider array of airports, further increasing its accessibility and appeal to discerning travelers and businesses alike.

Both the Hawker 800 and 800XP cemented their reputation for being incredibly reliable aircraft. Their sturdy construction and proven systems contributed to lower maintenance downtime and excellent dispatch reliability, factors that are paramount for private jet operators. This inherent dependability, combined with their balanced performance characteristics and comfortable cabins, made them a favored choice for fractional ownership programs and charter operators worldwide, ensuring their continued relevance in the pre-owned market for years after their production ceased in 2005 for the 800XP.

In essence, the Hawker 800 and its more powerful sibling, the 800XP, represent a benchmark in the mid-size private jet category. They offered a winning combination of range, speed, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency that was highly valued in the business aviation sector. Their legacy continues to influence private jet design, serving as a testament to their enduring appeal and the thoughtful engineering that went into their development and subsequent enhancements.

Specification:

Type: Midsize jet
Max passengers: 9
Catering: Snacks or cold VIP catering like sandwiches, canapees, fresh fruit and petit fours
Drinks: Coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and acoholic drinks
Cabin length: 7,62m
Cabin height: 1,75m
Cabin width: 1,85m
Luggage capacity: 2,00 m³ / 9 medium suitcases
Lavatory: Yes
Max range: 5:30h / 4.600km