Midsize Jet - Legacy Production
Hawker 800 (BAe 125-800): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
British Aerospace / Raytheon / Hawker Beechcraft
Hawker 800 (BAe 125-800): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Hawker 800 (BAe 125-800), produced from 1983 to 1995, is the breakthrough variant that established the Hawker 800 family as one of the most popular midsize business jets of all time. In April 1981, the British Aerospace (BAe) board sanctioned the program to improve the BAe 125-700 series, and by May 1983 the new aircraft was ready for its first test flight. The Hawker 800 introduced numerous improvements over the Hawker 700: redesigned cockpit windscreen, modified rear fuselage fairing, glass cockpit (first corporate jet with EFIS), uprated Garrett TFE731-5R-1H engines (4,200 lbf each, up from 3,700 lbf on Hawker 700), wingtip devices to reduce drag, and increased wingspan. Powered by these modernized turbofans, the Hawker 800 delivers approximately 2,500 nautical miles of range, 442 ktas (Mach 0.80) maximum cruise speed, and is typically operated with two pilots. The Hawker 800 cabin accommodates 8 passengers in a stand-up configuration. From the first BAe 125 flight in August 1962, it took nineteen years until the 500th airframe was sold; with the Hawker 800, British Aerospace registered the 200th sale within just five years. Pre-owned market today: $1.4 to $4 million.
For operators seeking the foundational Hawker 800 family aircraft at attainable pre-owned cost, the original Hawker 800 / 800A represents historically significant business jet engineering.
Hawker 800 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Midsize Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1995 (replaced by Hawker 800XP) |
| Designations | BAe 125-800 / Hawker 800 / Hawker 800A / Hawker 800B |
| Manufacturers | British Aerospace (1983-1993), Raytheon (1993-1995) |
| Program Authorized | April 1981 (BAe board) |
| First Flight | May 26, 1983 |
| Production Years | 1983 to 1995 |
| Predecessor | Hawker 700 (1976-1984) |
| Successor | Hawker 800XP (1995-2006) |
| First Corporate Jet With EFIS Glass Cockpit | Yes |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | Up to 14 (high-density) |
| Engines | 2× Garrett (now Honeywell) TFE731-5R-1H |
| Thrust per Engine | 4,200 lbf (up from 3,700 lbf on Hawker 700) |
| Avionics | Glass cockpit with EFIS (first corporate jet) |
| Avionics System | Honeywell SPZ-8000 (with 5 display screens) |
| Wingtip Devices | Yes (drag reduction) |
| Increased Wingspan Over 700 | Yes |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 2,500 nm (typical) |
| Max Cruise Speed (At FL370) | 442 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 389 to 401 ktas |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Wing Span | 51 ft 5 in (15.66 m) |
| Length | 51 ft 2 in (15.60 m) |
| Height | 17 ft 7 in (5.36 m) |
| Wing Area | 374 sq ft (34.8 m²) |
| Cabin Configuration | Stand-up |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $1,400,000 to $4,000,000 |
History as the Hawker 800 Family Foundation
The Hawker 800 was the breakthrough variant that established the Hawker 800 family as one of the most successful midsize business jets ever produced. The aircraft was developed during the early 1980s to keep the 125 family competitive against newer designs like the Learjet 35 and Falcon 50.
Platform timeline:
- April 1981: BAe board sanctions improvement program
- May 1983: BAe 125-800 first flight
- 1983: Service entry
- 1983-1993: British Aerospace production
- June 1993: BAe Corporate Jets sold to Raytheon
- 1994: Production transferred to U.S. operations
- November 5, 1996: First U.S.-built 800 first flight
- April 29, 1997: Last UK-built 800
- 1995: Hawker 800XP introduced (replaces 800)
- 2007: Raytheon Aircraft → Hawker Beechcraft
Key Improvements Over Hawker 700
The Hawker 800 introduced multiple substantial improvements:
1. More Powerful TFE731-5R-1H Engines
- 4,200 lbf per engine: Up from 3,700 lbf on Hawker 700 (+13%)
- Modernized engine variant: Refined TFE731 family
- Improved hot-and-high performance: Better operational envelope
- Increased thrust margin: For higher MTOW
2. Redesigned Wing
- Increased wingspan: From 47 ft 0 in (Hawker 700) to 51 ft 5 in
- Wingtip devices: Reduced drag, improved aerodynamic efficiency
- Wing area increase: 353 sq ft → 374 sq ft
- Higher fuel capacity: Range improvement
- Improved cruise efficiency: Modernized aerodynamics
3. First Corporate Jet With Glass Cockpit EFIS
The Hawker 800 was the first corporate jet to feature an EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) cockpit:
- Five display screens: All-digital flight information
- Modern cockpit ergonomics: Reduced pilot workload
- Industry-first achievement: Major milestone
4. Redesigned Cockpit Windscreen
- Modernized appearance: Visual identification
- Improved visibility: Updated design
- Eliminated distinctive fairing: Above earlier 125 cockpits
5. Modified Rear Fuselage Fairing
- Streamlined: Drag reduction
- Modernized: Updated aesthetic
6. Tailfin Extension
- Improved stability: Better high-speed handling
- Visual identification: Distinguished from earlier 125s
Cabin Interior
The Hawker 800 retains the proven 125 family stand-up cabin:
Seating Configurations
- Typical 8-Passenger Corporate Layout: Standard
- 4-Person Club Section: Forward cabin
- 3-Person Divan + Single Forward-Facing Seat: Aft cabin
- Up to 14 Maximum: High-density configuration
- Extra Seat in Enclosed Lavatory: Optional
Cabin Features
- Stand-up cabin: 125 family heritage
- Rounded rectangular cabin windows: Distinctive
- Engines mounted at rear fuselage: Quieter cabin
- Refined cabin systems: 1980s-era updates
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed (FL370) | 442 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 389 to 401 ktas |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Range (Typical NBAA IFR) | 2,500 nm |
Fuel Burn
- High Speed Cruise: 250 gph
- Long-Range Cruise: 182 gph (~68 gph less than high-speed)
- 30 gph less than 800XP: Average fuel burn advantage
- 600 lbs lighter than 800XP: Weight advantage
Engines
Two Garrett (now Honeywell) TFE731-5R-1H turbofan engines, each producing 4,200 lbf of thrust (8,400 lbf total). The TFE731-5R-1H was a major upgrade from the Hawker 700's TFE731-3R-1H.
Avionics
Honeywell SPZ-8000 5-display EFIS system:
- Five display screens: All-digital flight information
- GPS: Standard
- High Frequency communications: Standard
- GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System): Standard
- TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System): Standard
- Dual autopilot: Standard
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV, Pro Line 21 upgrades
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~220 gph average) | $1,540 to $1,980 |
| Engine Reserve | $500 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $700 |
| Misc Variable | $350 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$3,090 to $3,530/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.5 to $2.9 million all-in.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1992 to 1995 Hawker 800 (final production) | $2,500,000 to $4,000,000 |
| 1988 to 1991 Hawker 800 | $1,900,000 to $2,800,000 |
| 1983 to 1987 Hawker 800 (early production) | $1,400,000 to $2,200,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Hawker 700: First EFIS cockpit, more powerful engines
- Charter Operators: Strong dispatch reliability, proven platform
- Aviation Enthusiasts: First glass cockpit corporate jet
- 8-9 Passenger Corporate Operations: Proven 125 family stand-up cabin
Less suited if:
- You need modern Pro Line 21 avionics (consider 800XP)
- You require winglets for fuel efficiency (consider 850XP)
- You want best-in-class range (consider 900XP or modern competitors)
- You need single-pilot certification (not certified)
Pros and Cons
What the Hawker 800 Does Well
- First corporate jet with EFIS glass cockpit
- Honeywell TFE731-5R-1H engines (4,200 lbf)
- 2,500 nm range
- 442 ktas (Mach 0.80) cruise
- 600 lbs lighter than 800XP successor
- 30 gph less fuel burn than 800XP
- Increased wingspan with wingtip devices
- Foundation of Hawker 800 family
- Stand-up cabin
Tradeoffs to Understand
- No external baggage compartment (vs 800XP's 45 cu ft external)
- No winglets (vs 850XP)
- 442 ktas cruise modest vs newer 800XP (447 ktas)
- Production ended 1995
- Two-pilot operation required
- Original SPZ-8000 avionics dated (typically retrofitted)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Hawker 800 different from the Hawker 800XP?
The Hawker 800XP (1995) introduced more powerful AlliedSignal TFE731-5BR-1H engines (4,500 lbf vs 800's 4,200 lbf), the wing from the Hawker 1000 (replacing the 800's wingtip device wing), longer range capability, and 45 cu ft external baggage compartment (which the 800 lacks). The XP is the substantially more capable variant.
How is the Hawker 800 different from the Hawker 800A?
The Hawker 800A is the U.S.-certified variant of the Hawker 800; the 800B is the non-U.S. certification variant. The aircraft are essentially identical with regional certification differences.
How is the Hawker 800 different from the Hawker 850XP?
The Hawker 850XP (2006) is the Hawker 800XP with the addition of winglets, which extended its operating range by 100 nautical miles. The 850XP also incorporates upgraded avionics and a redesigned interior.
Is the Hawker 800 single-pilot certified?
No. The Hawker 800 requires two pilots.
How far can a Hawker 800 fly?
The Hawker 800 has a typical NBAA IFR range of approximately 2,500 nautical miles.
What engines power the Hawker 800?
Two Garrett (now Honeywell) TFE731-5R-1H turbofan engines, each producing 4,200 lbf of thrust.
Why was the Hawker 800 a breakthrough?
The Hawker 800 was the breakthrough variant for the Hawker 800 family, achieving 200 sales within just five years of introduction (faster pace than the 19 years it took the broader 125 family to reach 500 airframes). The combination of first-in-class EFIS glass cockpit, redesigned wing with wingtip devices, more powerful engines, and refined airframe established the Hawker 800 family as the leading midsize jet competitor against the Learjet 35 and Falcon 50.
The Bottom Line
The Hawker 800 / BAe 125-800 represents the foundational breakthrough variant of the world's most successful midsize business jet family, achieving 200 sales within five years and establishing what would become the broader Hawker 800 dynasty (800XP, 850XP, 900XP). As the first corporate jet with EFIS glass cockpit and featuring the redesigned wing with wingtip devices, the original Hawker 800 / 800A delivered industry-leading capability for its era. At current pre-owned pricing of $1.4 to $4 million, the platform offers exceptional value as a foundational Hawker 800-family aircraft, though buyers should understand that the 800XP and 850XP successors offer meaningfully better range and external baggage 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 800 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
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Hawker 800 (BAe 125-800) Services from Quantum Jets
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If you are evaluating a Hawker 800 (BAe 125-800) 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 700: Predecessor Variant (Lower-Thrust Engines, No EFIS)
- Hawker 800A: U.S. Certified Variant
- Hawker 800XP: Direct Successor (More Powerful Engines, External Baggage)
- Hawker 850XP: Direct Successor With Winglets
Production of the Hawker 800 ended in 1995. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Textron Aviation provides parts/support. Specifications accurate as of 2026.