Midsize Jet - Legacy Production
Hawker 700 (HS-125-700): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Hawker Siddeley / British Aerospace
Hawker 700 (HS-125-700): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Hawker 700 (HS-125-700), produced from 1976 to 1984, is the first turbofan-powered variant of the historically significant 125 family business jet program and represents the platform's transition from Rolls Royce Viper turbojets to Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines. The introduction of the HS.125-700 brought substantial performance and fuel economy benefits through the Garrett (now Honeywell) TFE731-3R-1H turbofan engines producing 3,720 lbf each (16.5 kN). Powered by these modern turbofans, the Hawker 700 delivers 2,100 nautical miles of range, 420 ktas cruise speed, and Stage III noise compliance without costly modification (a key operational advantage over the predecessor Viper-powered Series 600). First flight was June 19, 1976; US and UK certification was achieved mid-1977. A total of 243 units were built before the Series 700 was replaced by the Hawker 800 in 1984. The aircraft is operated by two pilots with seating for 8 passengers in the spacious stand-up cabin. Pre-owned market today: $1.0 to $1.7 million.
For operators seeking attainable vintage Hawker midsize ownership with Stage III noise compliance and proven turbofan reliability, the Hawker 700 represents the platform's first modern variant.
Hawker 700 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Midsize Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1984 (replaced by Hawker 800) |
| Designations | HS.125-700 / BAe 125-700 / Hawker 700A / Hawker 700B |
| Manufacturers | Hawker Siddeley, then British Aerospace |
| First Flight | June 19, 1976 |
| US and UK Certification | Mid-1977 |
| First Delivery | 1977 |
| Production Years | 1976 to 1984 |
| Total Units Built | 243 (over 200 per some sources) |
| Predecessor | BAe 125-600 (final Viper turbojet 125) |
| Successor | BAe 125-800 / Hawker 800 (1983) |
| First Turbofan 125 Family | Yes |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 5 to 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 8 in standard layout |
| Engines | 2× Honeywell TFE731-3RH turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,720 lbf (16.5 kN) |
| Fuel Burn at Cruise | 263 gph (combined) |
| Engine Overhaul Interval | 4,000 hours |
| Engine Overhaul Cost (Each) | $250,000 average |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 25,500 lb (11,567 kg) |
| Empty Weight | 12,845 lb (5,825 kg) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 2,000 to 2,100 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 365 to 420 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 404 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude (700A) | 41,000 ft |
| Max Operating Altitude (700B) | 43,000 ft |
| Stage III Noise Compliance | Yes (without modification) |
| Lift-Dump System | Yes (spoilers + 75° flaps after touchdown) |
| Wing Span | 47 ft 0 in (14.33 m) |
| Length | 50 ft 9 in (15.46 m) |
| Height | 17 ft 7 in (5.36 m) |
| Wing Area | 353 sq ft (32.8 m²) |
| Cabin Length | ~21 ft |
| Cabin Width | ~6 ft |
| Cabin Height | ~6 ft (stand-up) |
| Available Payload (Full Fuel) | 1,350 lb |
| New Price (Production Era) | $4,120,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (1977 Models) | $1,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (1984 Models) | $1,500,000 to $1,700,000 |
History as the First Turbofan 125
The Hawker 700 represented a pivotal transition in the 125 family: from Rolls Royce Viper turbojets to Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines. This transition delivered substantial operational benefits in the 1970s and provided Stage III noise compliance for continued U.S. operations through today.
Platform timeline:
- August 1962: DH-125 first flight (Viper 20)
- 1963: De Havilland → Hawker Siddeley
- 1971-1976: BAe 125-600 series (final Viper turbojet 125)
- June 19, 1976: HS-125-700 first flight
- Mid-1977: US and UK certification
- 1977: Service entry
- 1977-1984: Production run (243 aircraft)
- May 26, 1983: BAe 125-800 first flight (Hawker 800 lineage)
- 1984: Hawker 700 production ends, replaced by Hawker 800
Key Improvements Over Series 600
The Hawker 700 introduced substantial improvements over the predecessor Viper turbojet variants:
1. Honeywell TFE731-3R-1H Turbofan Engines
The transformative change:
- 3,720 lbf per engine: Same thrust as Viper 601 but turbofan technology
- Stage III noise compliance: Critical for continued U.S. operations
- 30% fuel efficiency improvement: vs Viper turbojets
- Quieter cabin: Substantial passenger comfort improvement
- APR (Automatic Performance Reserve): Engine emergency override capability
2. Improved Range
- 2,100 nm range: vs Series 600's 1,630 nm (29% improvement)
- Better fuel efficiency: Major operational benefit
3. Modernized Systems
- APR capability: Automatic Performance Reserve for engine emergencies
- Updated avionics: Modern for late 1970s
- Improved cabin comfort: Quieter operation
700A vs 700B Differences
The Series 700A and 700B differ only in certification paperwork:
| Specification | 700A | 700B |
|---|---|---|
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft | 43,000 ft |
| Certification | U.S. FAA | Non-U.S. |
| Production | Most aircraft for U.S. market | Most for international markets |
| Range | Slightly less (lower ceiling) | Slightly more (higher ceiling) |
All 700s were built in the United Kingdom. The 700As were typically flown to the U.S. or Canada for paint and interior completion. The 700Bs were sold mainly elsewhere. Buying a 700B and importing to the U.S. can be a bureaucratic challenge due to certification basis differences.
Cabin Interior
The Hawker 700 cabin features the proven 125 family stand-up configuration:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | ~21 ft |
| Cabin Width | ~6 ft |
| Cabin Height | ~6 ft (stand-up) |
Standard Configuration
- Five Single Slide-Swivel-Reclining Executive Seats: Standard
- Three-Place Side-Facing Divan: Standard
- Minimalist Forward Galley: Standard
- Aft Lavatory With Baggage Hold Access: Standard
- Extra Passenger Seat in Lavatory: Optional
- Forward and Aft Closets: Standard
Cabin Features
- Spacious stand-up cabin: 6 ft height
- Bigger than Learjet 55 and Citation III competitors: Per industry sources
- Rounded rectangular cabin windows: Distinctive 125 family feature
- Engines mounted at rear fuselage: Quieter cabin
- Soundproofing improvements: Vs Viper turbojets
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 420 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 404 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 2,000 to 2,100 nm |
| Service Ceiling (700A) | 41,000 ft |
| Service Ceiling (700B) | 43,000 ft |
Lift-Dump System
A distinctive Hawker 700 feature is the "lift-dump" system for short-field landings:
- Wing spoilers raised: After touchdown
- Flaps dropped to 75°: Aerodynamic drag
- Slows aircraft quickly: Without thrust reversers
- Thrust reversers optional: Generally unnecessary due to lift-dump
This system makes the Hawker 700 surprisingly capable on shorter runways.
Engines
Two Honeywell TFE731-3R-1H (or TFE731-3RH) turbofan engines, each producing 3,720 lbf of thrust (7,440 lbf total).
Engine maintenance considerations:
- Overhaul interval: 4,000 hours
- Overhaul cost: $250,000 each (average)
- TFE731 family is ubiquitous: Parts plentiful, most shops know it
- Most aircraft on hourly cost maintenance plans: Levels out costs
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~263 gph combined) | $1,840 to $2,365 |
| Engine Reserve | $500 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $700 |
| Misc Variable | $350 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$3,390 to $3,915/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.7 to $3.0 million all-in.
Charter rates: $3,100 per hour (entry-level).
Maintenance Considerations
- 48-Month Inspection: $175,000 average
- 12-Year Structural Inspection With X-Rays: Up to $400,000
- More Frequent Inspections: Than newer models
- Many international 700s: Have variable maintenance histories
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1984 Hawker 700A (final production) | $1,500,000 to $1,700,000 |
| 1981-1983 Hawker 700A | $1,300,000 to $1,500,000 |
| 1977-1980 Hawker 700A (early production) | $1,000,000 to $1,300,000 |
New price (production era): $4,120,000 average.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Stage III Compliant Vintage Operations: TFE731 engines without hush kit requirement
- Charter Operators With Tight Acquisition Budgets: Strong value at $1M-$1.7M
- Aviation Enthusiasts: Foundational turbofan 125 platform
- Pilot Training Operations: Proven 125 family aircraft
- Multi-Mission Operators: Lift-dump short-field capability
Less suited if:
- You need modern integrated avionics out of the box
- You require single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You want low maintenance costs (older inspections expensive)
- You require modern factory product support
- You need transcontinental range
Pros and Cons
What the Hawker 700 Does Well
- 2,100 nm range (vs Series 600's 1,630 nm)
- Stage III noise compliance without modification
- First turbofan 125 platform
- TFE731 family ubiquity (parts and service support)
- Lift-dump system for short-field landings
- Spacious 6 ft stand-up cabin
- Very attainable pricing ($1M-$1.7M)
- Proven 125 family engineering
- 243 aircraft fleet (meaningful operator base)
- APR (Automatic Performance Reserve)
Tradeoffs to Understand
- More frequent inspections than newer models
- 48-month inspection: $175,000
- 12-year structural inspection: up to $400,000
- Avionics dated (typically retrofitted)
- Many international 700s have variable maintenance histories
- Production ended 1984 (40+ year old airframes)
- Two-pilot operation required
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Hawker 700 different from the Series 600?
The Hawker 700 (1976) replaced the Series 600's Rolls Royce Viper 601-22 turbojets with Honeywell TFE731-3R-1H turbofan engines. The result: Stage III noise compliance, ~30% fuel efficiency improvement, quieter cabin operation, and 29% range improvement (1,630 nm → 2,100 nm). Same basic airframe.
How is the Hawker 700 different from the Hawker 800?
The Hawker 800 (1983) introduced significantly more powerful AlliedSignal TFE731-5R-1H engines (4,200 lbf vs 700's 3,720 lbf), increased wingspan, streamlined nose, tailfin extension, increased fuel capacity, glass cockpit (first 125 family aircraft with EFIS), and updated systems. Range increased substantially.
How many Hawker 700s were built?
A total of 243 Hawker 700 aircraft (combined 700A and 700B) were built during the 1976 to 1984 production run.
What is the difference between Hawker 700A and 700B?
The 700A is the U.S.-certified variant (41,000 ft service ceiling); the 700B is the international/non-U.S. variant (43,000 ft service ceiling). The only meaningful technical difference is the higher service ceiling on the 700B, which gives it slightly more range due to lower fuel burn at higher altitude.
Is the Hawker 700 Stage III noise compliant?
Yes. The Hawker 700's Honeywell TFE731-3RH turbofan engines provide Stage III noise compliance without hush kit modifications, a major operational advantage over Viper turbojet-powered predecessors.
Is the Hawker 700 single-pilot certified?
No. The Hawker 700 requires two pilots.
How far can a Hawker 700 fly?
The Hawker 700 has a range of approximately 2,000 to 2,100 nautical miles at long-range cruise.
What is the "lift-dump" system?
The lift-dump system is the Hawker 700's distinctive short-field landing aid that raises wing spoilers and drops the flaps to 75° after touchdown, creating substantial aerodynamic drag that quickly decelerates the aircraft. It's so effective that thrust reversers (optional) are typically considered unnecessary on the Hawker 700.
The Bottom Line
The Hawker 700 represents a pivotal transition in the 125 family from Viper turbojets to TFE731 turbofan engines, delivering Stage III noise compliance, dramatically improved fuel efficiency, and quieter cabin operation. At current pre-owned pricing of $1.0 to $1.7 million, the Hawker 700 is among the most attainable Stage III-compliant midsize jets ever available. The tradeoffs are real: more frequent inspections, dated avionics typically requiring retrofits, and 40+ year old airframes. For operators willing to invest in proper maintenance and modernization, the Hawker 700 offers proven 125 family engineering with the distinctive lift-dump system at exceptional value.
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 700 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to inspection history and engine programs.
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Hawker 700 (HS-125-700) Services from Quantum Jets
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Hawker 600: Predecessor Variant (Viper Turbojets)
- Hawker 800 / 800A: Direct Successor (TFE731-5R Engines, Glass Cockpit)
- Hawker 750: Modern Variant With External Baggage
Production of the Hawker 700 ended in 1984. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Textron Aviation provides parts/support since Hawker Beechcraft bankruptcy 2013. Specifications accurate as of 2026.