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Hawker Beechcraft

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Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is the world’s leading business, special-mission and trainer aircraft manufacturer – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers.

Business Lead Jim Schuster, Chairman and CEO

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is the world’s leading business, special-mission and trainer aircraft manufacturer — designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation has major facilities in Salina, Kansas; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and -authorized service centers.


Company Facts

- Hawker Beechcraft Corporation’s facilities consist of nearly six-million square feet - Worldwide employment of 8,000 with just over 6,000 in Wichita, Kansas - 2006 sales of nearly $3.1 billion - Delivered 462 aircraft in 2006 - Celebrating 75th anniversary in 2007 - Over 54,000 aircraft built since 1932 with more than 36,000 flying today - Employee population represented by jobs ranging from engineering to manufacturing operations, customer support, marketing and administration


Current Product Lineup

Hawker 4000 – The flagship of the Hawker® line, the composite-fuselage Hawker 4000 truly sets the standard for quality, performance and value in the super-midsize business jet class of aircraft.

Hawker 900XP – The newest evolution of the best-selling mid-sized business jet (the Hawker 800 series), the Hawker 900XP has combined new Honeywell engines with winglets and a large cabin for increased performance, range, efficiency, comfort, and unprecedented value.

Hawker 750 – Also from the Hawker 800 lineage, this new light-midsize business jet features a large cabin and more baggage space with proven reliability and performance.

Hawker 400XP – This aircraft is the preferred light jet for the fractional market and corporations worldwide.

Beechcraft Premier IA – An advanced technology light jet, which offers customers an industry-leading combination of speed, cabin size and efficiency with a new interior, upgraded avionics and five-year warranty. It was certified in September 2005. Beechcraft King Air 350, King Air B200GT and King Air C90GTi – The King Air series is the #1 turboprop lineup in the world. With continuous product enhancements, more than 6,000 Beechcraft King Airs have been produced since 1964.

Beechcraft Baron G58 – The piston twin that pilots aspire to own, the aircraft features fully integrated Garmin G1000 avionics with the new GFC 700 flight control system and new GWX 68 color weather radar.

Beechcraft Bonanza G36 – The most prestigious high-performance single-engine piston in the market with the longest continual production line in the industry — 60 years in 2007. It features Garmin G1000 avionics and the new GFC 700 flight control system.

T-6 – The T-6A Texan II is the military trainer for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy’s Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS). The Hellenic Air Force of Greece has 45 aircraft and the NATO Flying Training Canada (NFTC) program has 26 aircraft. Currently in the final phases of development and certification, our next-generation military trainer — the new Beechcraft T-6B with 95-percent commonality with the T-6A Texan II — has upgraded avionics and head-up display (HUD) for basic through advanced training. The Beechcraft T-6B becomes the Beechcraft AT-6 with the inclusion of added sensors, data-link capability, cockpit protection and weapons — a multi-mission aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close-in air support, light attack, and homeland security.

Special-Mission Aircraft – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation also markets, produces and supports a whole range of special-mission aircraft for military and governments worldwide. Missionized versions of the Beechcraft King Air series, pistons, and Hawker 400XP and Hawker 800 series are currently in service worldwide. Our new Beechcraft King Air 350ER offers extended range and a variety of surveillance radar, ISR, air ambulance and special-mission capabilities.


Global Customer Service and Support

Customer Focus

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation’s high-performance aircraft are consistently chosen by those with the highest standards of quality, the most discriminating taste and, above all, those seeking superior value. And because our customers deserve nothing less, we are committed to providing unsurpassed customer service — a commitment we honor every moment of every day with the largest customer support network in the industry and a Performance Promise™ backed by over 3,000 support personnel worldwide.


Hawker Beechcraft History

1930's
• Beech Aircraft Corporation is founded in 1932 by Walter H. and Olive Ann Beech.
• The first Beechcraft produced is the Model 17 — the classic Beechcraft "Staggerwing." Designed especially for the business traveler, the airplane proves to be faster than military pursuit airplanes of the day and wins numerous air races.
• In 1937, Beech introduces the Model 18 "Twin Beech." This airplane is to business what the DC-3 is to the airlines. Produced until 1970, the 33 years of continuous Model 18 production was a record until surpassed by the Beechcraft Bonanza.

1940's
• During World War II, more than 14,000 Beechcrafters produce some 7,400 airplanes for the United States and Allied armed forces. It is estimated that 90 percent of all U.S. Army Air Corps bombardiers and navigators are trained in AT-7 and AT-11 aircraft — derivatives of the Beechcraft Model 18.
• Following the war, in 1947, Beech introduces the Model 35 Beech Bonanza. The new Beech is a high-performance, single-engine, business airplane. Its record for continuous production is still lengthening.

1960's
• In 1961, Beech introduces the Baron B55, the forerunner of today's Baron G58, one of the most popular owner-flown twin-engine aircraft available.
• In 1962, the 125 business jet was first conceived by the DeHavilland Aircraft Company as a purpose-designed jet for personal business travel. It featured a cabin with stand-up headroom throughout its 19-feet 4-inch length and first flew with a Rolls Royce Viper 520 turbojet engine.
• In 1964, Beech introduces the Model 90 Beech King Air. It quickly establishes itself as the industry standard in corporate jetprops.
• In 1968, Beech enters an expanding commuter airline market with the Beechcraft 99 Airliner.
• By 1968, the 125 business jet undergoes several engine changes and other airframe modifications to reflect the latest standards. The DeHavilland Aircraft Company by that time had been bought by the Hawker Siddeley Corporation and the 125 series aircraft became better known simply as the ‘Hawker.’

1970's
• In 1971, the Hawker airframe experiences its first big change – a fuselage stretch of two feet. The 600 series featured the 3,750-pound Rolls Royce Viper 601 turbojet engine, a 25,000-pound takeoff weight and a range of over 1,500 nautical miles.
• In the mid-1970s, the Garrett TFE-731 engine is fitted to the Hawker Series 600 airframe and the Series 700 was born.
• In 1974, Beech delivers the first Beech King Air 200, which brings new standards of room, speed, and passenger comfort to a business airplane.
• In 1975, Beech delivers the first C-12—the military version of the Beech Super King Air 200—to the U.S. Army. Today, all four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces—Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps—fly C-12s in various configurations. The Navy also uses Beech T-34C jetprop trainers for primary flight training, and versions of the Beech King Air Model 90, designated T-44A, for multi-engine training.

1980's
• On February 8, 1980, Beech Aircraft Corporation becomes a subsidiary of Raytheon Company, a diversified electronics and technology company located in Lexington, Massachusetts.
• Early in 1984, Beech delivers the first of its new pressurized 1900 Airliners to regional airlines.
• Also in 1984, Beech introduces the Beech King Air 300, which offers improvement in speed, performance, and cabin amenities over its predecessors.
• On December 2, 1985, Beech announces the addition of the Beechjet to its product line.
• On Feb 15, 1986, a prototype of the new Beech Starship takes its first flight. The Starship is the first all-composite, twin-turbine business aircraft.
• In May 1987, Beech announces it will retrofit more than 5,000 V-tail Bonanzas produced since 1950 to account for errors in government aircraft certification design data revealed during Beech's two year, multimillion-dollar research effort. Demonstrating Beech's commitment to its customers, the company pays for the retrofit for any airworthy Bonanza affected.
• In October 1988, Beech introduces the Beechjet 400A, which features a larger interior and the most advanced flight deck available.
• In October 1989, Beech introduces the Beech King Air 350.
• In December 1989, the Beech Starship is certified.

1990's
• In February 1990, U.S. Air Force officials announce the selection of the Beechjet for its T-1A Jayhawk program to train tanker and transport pilots. With all contract options exercised, Beech Aircraft is to provide 180 Beechjets to the Air Force for specialized undergraduate pilot training.
• In September 1990, Beech Aircraft commits to compete for the U.S. Air Force and Navy Joint Primary Aircraft Training System.
• In March 1991, Beech is awarded a type certificate for the 1900D Airliner.
• At the National Business Aircraft Association convention in October 1991, Beech introduces the new King Air C90B.
• On January 17, 1992, Beech delivers the first T-1A Jayhawk to the U.S. Air Force. • On July 6, 1993, Mrs. O.A. Beech, co-founder of Beech Aircraft, dies in Wichita at age 89.
• In August 1993, Raytheon Company acquires Raytheon Corporate Jets, producers of the mid-sized Hawker jet line, from British Aerospace.
• In mid-September of 1994, Beech Aircraft and Raytheon Corporate Jets merge to form Raytheon Aircraft.
• At the end of 1994, U.S. Air Force exercises sixth option for 32 T-1A Jayhawks worth $127 million, bringing the total order to 180 aircraft worth $755 million.
• In April of 1995, the company's new Administration Building opens. A $10 million, 100,000-square-foot facility, the building provides a modern showcase in which to conduct business with Raytheon Aircraft customers from around the world.
• On June 22, 1995, the Beech MkII is chosen as the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy's next-generation primary trainer aircraft in a highly competitive selection process. The multibillion-dollar program calls for the production of more than 700 aircraft. The joint services would soon name the aircraft the T-6A Texan II.
• In September 1995, Raytheon Aircraft introduces its all-new light jet, the Raytheon Premier I.
• Also in September 1995, the first Hawker 800XP (Extended Performance) is delivered to a customer. The Hawker 800XP represents the first upgrade of the Hawker line since its acquisition by Raytheon Company.
• In April 1996, the 3,000th Beech Bonanza A36 rolls off the production line. The 5,000th King Air is delivered in June 1996.
• Raytheon Aircraft introduces the company's all-new, super mid-sized jet, the Hawker Horizon, during the National Business Aircraft Association convention in November 1996.
• In spring of 1997, the company marks 50 years of continuous production of the popular single-engine Bonanza series.
• In the summer of 1997, the company delivers the 180th and final T-1 Jayhawk pilot trainer to the U.S. Air Force.
• In July 1998, the first production T-6A Texan II makes its maiden flight.
• On December 22, 1998—exactly 53 years to the day from the first flight of the famed Beech Bonanza—the new Raytheon Premier I takes to the skies for the first time.

2000's
• On March 23, 2001, Raytheon Aircraft celebrates the Federal Aviation Administration certification of the new Premier I business jet. The Premier I is the first certified business jet with a composite fuselage.
• In an April 17, 2001 ceremony, Raytheon Aircraft officially rolls out the second of its composite fuselage business jets. The super mid-size Hawker Horizon has transcontinental range and seating for up to 13.
• On May 30, 2001, James E. Schuster is named Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Aircraft.
• On June 22, 2001, the first Premier I was delivered.
• On Aug. 11, 2001, the new super mid-size business jet, the Hawker Horizon, conducts its maiden flight.
• On May 6, 2003, Raytheon Aircraft introduces the Hawker 400XP at the 2003 European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition. The aircraft was formerly known as the Beechjet 400A.
• On Oct. 7, 2003, Raytheon Aircraft introduces the Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suites for the Beechcraft King Air 350 and B200.
• On Jan. 20, 2004, Raytheon Aircraft celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first flight of the Beechcraft King Air.
• On July 27, 2004, Raytheon Aircraft Company announces a fully integrated glass cockpit with Garmin G1000 avionics into the Beechcraft Bonanza and Beechcraft Baron, adding even more quality and value to these legendary single and twin piston aircraft models.
• The Hellenic Air Force uses T-6A’s from its 45-strong fleet to conduct air patrols, protecting the skies over the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Greece.
• On December 23, 2004, the FAA grants the Hawker Horizon a provisional type certificate following more than 1800 hours of developmental and certification flight.
• On January 24, 2005, the 6,000th Beechcraft King Air is delivered with the same quality and performance that has been built into every Beechcraft product since 1932. Over 40 years, more than 20 version of commercial and special mission King Airs have been produced.
• In April 2005, the aircraft are formally renamed to Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and the Beechcraft Baron G58.
• On May 18, 2005, at EBACE, the new Premier IA is announced and features a totally redesigned interior, avionics enhancements, as well as several other system improvements.
• On June 13, 2005, during the Paris Air Show, Raytheon Aircraft Company announced the Beechcraft King Air 350ER, an extended range special mission aircraft.
• On July 25th, at Oshkosh, Raytheon Aircraft Company unveiled the new Beechcraft King Air C90GT, an evolution of the popular Beechcraft King Air C90B.
• On August 9, 2005, Hainan Airlines became the first Raytheon Aircraft Authorized Service Center in mainland China.
• On September 20, 2005, the National Aeronautics Association presented an official speed record for the Beechcraft Premier I at the National Championship Air Races and Air Show in Reno, Nev.
• On September 25, 2005 Raytheon Aircraft Company certified the new Beechcraft Premier IA.
• On November 3, 2005 Raytheon Aircraft Company announced certification of the Beechcraft Bonanza G36, with the first fully integrated avionics system in a piston-engine aircraft.
• On November 8, 2005 at NBAA, Raytheon Aircraft Company introduced the Hawker 850XP, the newest aircraft in the Hawker family, utilizing winglets designed by RAC.
• On November 8, 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company announced that its super-midsize Horizon business jet would transition to the Hawker family nomenclature as the Hawker 4000.
• On December 2, 2005, Netjets, Inc. signed a contract for the purchase of 50 Hawker 4000 super-midsize aircraft for their global fractional fleet. Combined with a 10-year guaranteed maintenance program, the total value of the contracts exceeds $1 billion, making it the largest single commercial order in the history of Raytheon Aircraft Company.
• On December 15, 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company announced certification of the Beechcraft Baron G58, the first piston-twin with a fully integrated avionics system.
• On December 15, 2005, the T-1A Advanced Military Trainer aircraft reached the one million flight hour mark with the U.S. Government.
• On December 20, 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company obtained certification for the King Air C90GT.
• On April 4, 2006, Raytheon Aircraft Company delivered the 300th T-6A primary trainer to the U.S. military.
• On July 18, 2006, Raytheon Aircraft Company unveiled the Beechcraft AT-6 Joint Airborne Weapons System, a multi-mission, multi-role version of the highly successful T-6A/B designed for the surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, global war on terrorism, homeland security and training operations for the twenty-first century.
• On October 3, 2006, at a ceremony in Little Rock, Ark., Raytheon Aircraft Company broke ground on a $16.3-million, 112,000-square-foot facility expansion to support completions of the Hawker 4000.
• On October 16, 2006, Raytheon Aircraft Company announces the introduction of two new Hawker models, the Hawker 900XP and Hawker 750. RAC also delivers the 500th King Air 350 in a special ceremony at the NBAA Convention.
• On October 25, 2006, at a ceremony in Little Rock, RAC delivers the 800th Hawker 800 to America’s Collectible Network.
• On October 27, 2006, Raytheon Aircraft Company announces an NBAA order tally for 112 aircraft worth nearly $1 billion.
• On November 21, 2006, the Hawker 4000 is certified.
• On March 26, 2007, Raytheon Aircraft Company became Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, a company formed by GS Capital Partners, and Onex Partners, beginning the next great chapter of two of aviation’s most enduring brands.

Products

Civil

Military

Facilities

References

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