Super Midsize Jet - Legacy Production
Hawker 4000: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Hawker Beechcraft (originally Raytheon Aircraft)
Hawker 4000: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Hawker 4000, produced from 2008 to 2013, is the historically significant first business jet constructed with carbon fiber composites for its primary structure, originally developed as the "Hawker Horizon" before being renamed in 2005. The aircraft was the world's only private business jet constructed using carbon composites at the time of its delivery, making it lighter than aluminum competitors and increasing range and performance. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A turbofan engines producing 6,900 lbf each, the Hawker 4000 delivers 3,280 nautical miles of range, 470 ktas (Mach 0.84) maximum cruise speed, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling. The carbon fibre fuselage enables an exceptionally low cabin pressure altitude of just 6,000 feet at maximum cruising altitude. The aircraft is operated by two pilots, with cabin seating for up to 8-9 passengers. Honeywell Primus Epic flight control and flight management systems provide modern integrated avionics. Production ended in 2013 with 73 aircraft built due to Hawker Beechcraft bankruptcy. Pre-owned market today: $5 to $8 million.
For operators seeking the historically significant first carbon composite business jet with intercontinental range capability and exceptional cabin altitude performance, the Hawker 4000 represents a unique chapter in business aviation engineering.
Hawker 4000 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Super Midsize Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2013 (Hawker Beechcraft bankruptcy) |
| Original Name | Hawker Horizon |
| Renamed to Hawker 4000 | 2005 |
| Designation | Hawker 4000 |
| Manufacturers | Raytheon Aircraft (development), Hawker Beechcraft (production) |
| Type Certification | 2004 |
| Prototype First Flight | 2001 |
| Service Entry | 2008 (first deliveries) |
| Production Years | 2008 to 2013 (some sources 2001-2013) |
| Total Units Built | 73 |
| Custom Production Facility | $16.3M Little Rock, Arkansas (2006) |
| First Carbon Composite Business Jet | Yes (world's only at delivery) |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 10 (8-9 + 1 in lavatory) |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 6,900 lbf (13,800 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus Epic (some sources Pro Line Fusion - latter unclear) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 3,280 nm (3,390 nm per some sources) |
| Range (Seats Full) | 3,201 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 470 ktas (Mach 0.84, 541 mph) |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 470 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Cabin Altitude at Max Cruise | 6,000 ft (exceptional) |
| Cabin Length | 25 ft (25 ft 0 in) |
| Cabin Width | 6 ft 6 in (78 in) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft 0 in (72 in - stand-up flat floor) |
| Cabin Floor | Flat-floor |
| Total Baggage Volume | 114 cu ft (internal, accessible in-flight) |
| Balanced Field Length | 5,322 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,340 ft |
| Original New Price | $21,560,000 to $22,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Average | $5,080,000 |
| Pre-Owned Range | $5,000,000 to $8,000,000 |
| Variable Operating Cost | $7,300/hr |
History as the First Carbon Composite Business Jet
The Hawker 4000 was originally developed by Raytheon Aircraft Company as an upgrade to the Hawker 1000 and was initially named the "Hawker Horizon." The aircraft represented a fundamental departure from traditional aluminum construction.
Platform timeline:
- 2001: Prototype first flight as Hawker Horizon
- 2002: NBAA Convention display
- 2004: Type certification
- 2005: Renamed to Hawker 4000
- 2006: $16.3M custom facility built in Little Rock, Arkansas (10,400 m²)
- 2007: Hawker Beechcraft formed (March)
- 2008: First deliveries
- 2008-2013: Production run (73 total built)
- 2012: Hawker Beechcraft files for bankruptcy
- 2013: Production ends
- 2014: Textron Aviation acquires Hawker Beechcraft assets
The Hawker 4000 was designed to compete against the more expensive Challenger 300 and Falcon 50, positioning as a strong value entry into transatlantic super-midsize operations.
What Makes the Hawker 4000 Unique
The Hawker 4000 represents multiple firsts in business aviation:
1. First Carbon Composite Business Jet
At the time of its delivery (2008), the Hawker 4000 was the world's only private business jet constructed using carbon composites:
- Lighter than aluminum equivalents: Substantially better payload-range
- Increased fuel efficiency: Better operating economics
- Modern composite manufacturing: Pioneering aerospace technique
- Industry-first achievement: Major engineering milestone
2. Exceptional Cabin Altitude
The carbon fibre fuselage enables an exceptionally low cabin pressure altitude:
- 6,000 ft cabin altitude at FL450: Best in super-midsize class
- Reduced passenger fatigue: Comfort advantage
- Better long-mission comfort: Critical for transatlantic flights
3. Vibration Isolation
- Special isolators: Dampen cabin vibrations
- Quiet flight experience: Modern engineering
4. Wide Stand-Up Cabin
- 6 ft 6 in width: Comparable to G280 (6'3"), Challenger 300 (7'2")
- 6 ft stand-up height: Standard for class
- Flat floor: Modern design
5. 114 cu ft Baggage (In-Flight Accessible)
- Internal compartment: Convenient operations
- In-flight access: Important customer benefit
- Space for 12 suitcases: Practical capacity
Cabin Interior
The Hawker 4000 cabin features one of the larger super-midsize layouts:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 25 ft (25 ft 0 in) |
| Cabin Width | 6 ft 6 in (78 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft 0 in (72 inches - stand-up flat floor) |
| Cabin Altitude at Max Cruise | 6,000 ft |
Seating Configurations
- Standard Double-Club: 8-passenger layout
- Alternative Configuration: Two seats swapped for 3-seat divan rear
- 8-9 Passengers Standard: With enclosed lavatory
- 10 Maximum: With belted lavatory seat
- Up to 10 Configurations: Various flexibility
Cabin Features
- 6 ft stand-up flat floor cabin: Modern design
- 6 ft 6 in width: Spacious for super-mid
- Carbon composite construction: Pioneering
- Special vibration isolators: Quiet operation
- Advanced soundproofing: Premium experience
- 114 cu ft baggage: In-flight accessible
- Integrated galley: Standard
- Fully adjustable executive seating: Modern
- Private lavatory: Standard
- 6,000 ft cabin altitude: Best in class
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 470 ktas (Mach 0.84, 541 mph) |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 470 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 3,280 nm (3,390 nm per some sources) |
| Range (Seats Full) | 3,201 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Cabin Altitude at FL450 | 6,000 ft |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 5,322 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,340 ft |
The Hawker 4000 requires a significant runway landing distance, which limits use of some smaller airports.
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to London (3,000+ nm) - achievable
- Los Angeles to Honolulu (2,556 nm) - comfortable
- London to Dubai (~3,000 nm) - achievable
- New York to Moscow (~4,000 nm) - not achievable
- Paris to Dubai (~3,000 nm) - achievable
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A turbofan engines, each producing 6,900 lbf of thrust (13,800 lbf total). The PW308A is a proven super-midsize engine family.
Key features:
- High thrust output: Strong performance margin
- Rear-mounted configuration: Standard
- Modern reliability: Established PW300 family
Avionics
Honeywell Primus Epic integrated flight control and flight management systems:
- Modern glass cockpit: State-of-the-art for 2008 era
- Synthetic vision: Standard
- Integrated flight planning: Standard
- Modern flight management: Integrated
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV, advanced GPS
Note: Some sources list Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion, but this likely refers to later configurations or upgrade options.
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~330 gph) | $1,980 to $2,640 |
| Engine Reserve | $600 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $700 |
| Misc Variable | $400 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$3,680 to $4,340/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $3.3 million all-in.
Variable operating cost per AviaCost: $7,300/hr (all-in 450-hour basis).
Charter rates: $7,000 to $9,000 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2011 to 2013 Hawker 4000 (final production) | $6,500,000 to $8,000,000 |
| 2008 to 2010 Hawker 4000 (early production) | $5,000,000 to $6,500,000 |
Pre-owned average: $5,080,000.
Original new price: $21.56M to $22M.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Transatlantic Operators: 3,280+ nm range capability
- Aviation Enthusiasts: First carbon composite business jet
- Operators Valuing Cabin Altitude: 6,000 ft at FL450
- Charter and Fractional Operators: Modern super-mid alternative
- Step-Up From Hawker 800 Family: Substantially larger and longer-range
Less suited if:
- You need short-field operations under 5,000 ft (5,322 ft BFL)
- You require single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You want largest super-mid cabin (consider Challenger 350)
- You need robust factory product support (Hawker brand discontinued)
- You want fuel-efficient operations (330 gph high for class)
Pros and Cons
What the Hawker 4000 Does Well
- World's first carbon composite business jet
- 3,280+ nm intercontinental range
- 470 ktas (Mach 0.84) cruise
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
- 6,000 ft cabin altitude at max cruise (best in class)
- 6 ft stand-up flat floor cabin
- 6'6" cabin width (spacious for super-mid)
- 114 cu ft baggage (in-flight accessible)
- Honeywell Primus Epic avionics
- PW308A engines (6,900 lbf each)
- Vibration isolation system
- Carbon composite weight advantage
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Only 73 built (smallest fleet of major super-mids)
- 5,322 ft balanced field longer than some competitors
- Production ended 2013 (Hawker Beechcraft bankruptcy)
- Hawker brand discontinued (Textron support only)
- 330 gph fuel burn high for class
- $21M+ new pricing limited market acceptance
- Two-pilot operation required
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Hawker Horizon?
The Hawker Horizon was the original name of the Hawker 4000 during development. The aircraft was renamed to Hawker 4000 in 2005 after type certification in 2004. The prototype first flew in 2001.
Why is the Hawker 4000 historically significant?
The Hawker 4000 was the world's first business jet constructed using carbon composites for its primary structure, making it lighter than aluminum competitors and pioneering the use of advanced composite materials in business aviation. This carbon fiber fuselage enables an exceptionally low cabin pressure altitude of 6,000 ft at maximum cruising altitude.
How is the Hawker 4000 different from the Hawker 1000?
The Hawker 4000 (2008) is the modern carbon composite super-midsize successor to the Hawker 1000 (1993-1997). Key differences: carbon composite construction (vs aluminum), more powerful PW308A engines (6,900 lbf vs 1000's 5,255 lbf PW305), higher 45,000 ft ceiling (vs 1000's 43,000 ft), 3,280+ nm range (vs 1000's 2,970 nm), and modern Primus Epic avionics. The 4000 is the modern Raytheon/Hawker Beechcraft super-midsize jet.
How many Hawker 4000s were built?
A total of 73 Hawker 4000 aircraft were built during the 2008 to 2013 production run before Hawker Beechcraft bankruptcy ended production.
How far can a Hawker 4000 fly?
The Hawker 4000 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 3,280 nautical miles (some sources 3,390 nm), with seats-full range of 3,201 nm. Routes like New York to London and Paris to Dubai are achievable.
Is the Hawker 4000 single-pilot certified?
No. The Hawker 4000 requires two pilots.
What engines power the Hawker 4000?
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A turbofan engines, each producing 6,900 lbf of thrust.
What avionics does the Hawker 4000 use?
The Hawker 4000 uses Honeywell Primus Epic integrated flight control and flight management systems with modern glass cockpit, synthetic vision, integrated flight planning, and advanced flight management capabilities.
The Bottom Line
The Hawker 4000 is the historically significant first business jet constructed with carbon composites, delivering pioneering aerospace technology, exceptional 6,000 ft cabin altitude at FL450, and 3,280+ nm intercontinental range. Originally the Hawker Horizon before being renamed in 2005, the 4000 represented Hawker Beechcraft's modern super-midsize entry against the Challenger 300 and Falcon 50. With only 73 aircraft built before Hawker Beechcraft bankruptcy ended production in 2013, the 4000 represents a unique chapter in business aviation engineering. At current pre-owned pricing of $5 to $8 million (vs original $21.56M+ MSRP), the Hawker 4000 offers exceptional value as a carbon composite super-midsize jet with transatlantic capability.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Hawker 4000 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs and Hawker support continuity.
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Book a Hawker 4000 on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Hawker 4000 and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Hawker 4000 availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Hawker 4000 against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Hawker 4000 for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Hawker 4000 to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Hawker 4000 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Hawker 4000 operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Hawker 4000 for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Hawker 4000 for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Hawker 4000-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Hawker 4000 flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Hawker 4000 retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Hawker 4000-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Hawker 4000 fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Hawker 4000 for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Hawker 1000: Earlier Super-Midsize Hawker (Aluminum, PW305)
- Challenger 300: Direct Competitor (Aluminum)
- Falcon 50: Direct Competitor
- Hawker 900XP: Smaller Midsize Hawker Family Variant
Production of the Hawker 4000 ended in 2013 due to Hawker Beechcraft bankruptcy. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Textron Aviation acquired Hawker Beechcraft assets in 2014 and provides parts/support. Specifications accurate as of 2026.