Hawker 800SP

History and First Flight of the Hawker 800SP Jets

Part of the Hawker 800 (125-800 series) family of aircraft, the aircraft is developed from the British Aerospace BAe 25 by Hawker Beechcraft.

This series of aircraft quickly become one of the most popular corporate aircraft options around the world. 

The 800SP is nearly identical to the Hawker 800A, however, Hawker 800SP jets have added winglets that allow the aircraft to fly slightly faster, higher, and faster.

Moreover, hot-and-high airport performance was also improved. Impressively, the 800SP can fly non-stop for nearly 3,000 nm.

Produced from 1984 to 1995, the 800 series of aircraft has had many variants and has been popular around the world.

The Hawker 800 is a mid-size business jet that first flew in May 1983.

There have been many variants of the 800 family of business jets, including the Hawker 800XP, Hawker 800XPi, and the original Hawker 800A.

Within the space of a little over five years, British Aerospace were registering the 200th sale of the 800 series.

The 800 has impressive operational capabilities and features twin rear fuselage engines. 

Performance and Range Capabilities

The specification of the 800SP was impressive when it first flew in the 1980s.

Powered by two Honeywell TFE731-5R-1H engines, each capable of delivering a thrust output of 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg).

Its high-speed cruise capabilities clock in at an impressive 447 knots (828 kph), while its long-range cruise speed is an efficient 389 knots (720 kph).

This aircraft can soar to a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet (12,497 meters), enabling it to bypass turbulent weather conditions and provide a smooth flight.

The winglets on the SP allow the aircraft to fly non-stop for up to 2,955 nautical miles (5,472 kilometers) under optimum conditions.

This allows for long-haul journeys with fewer stops, enhancing comfort and efficiency for passengers. The take-off distance required is 6,143 feet (1,873 meters), while the landing distance stands at 2,892 feet (881 meters), demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility in dealing with a variety of airport conditions.

It’s important to note that these performance figures represent the best-case scenario.

Actual range and ground performance can be affected by a multitude of factors, including weather conditions, runway length, and weight of cargo and passengers. Understanding these variables can help potential buyers and operators make an informed decision about this exceptional aircraft. 

Interior and Cabin of the Hawker Beechcraft 800SP

The cabin dimensions are substantial, with an interior width of 6.0 feet (1.8 meters), a length of 21.3 feet (6.5 meters), and a height of 5.0 feet (1.5 meters).

These generous measurements provide ample room for movement and relaxation during flight.

The Hawker 800SP is designed to comfortably accommodate up to 8 passengers, making it an ideal choice for corporate or family travels.

The typical layout features luxurious seating and top-quality amenities, fostering an environment of comfort and leisure. Additionally, the storage capacity allows for 48 cubic feet of baggage.

One of the notable features of the Hawker 800SP is its cabin altitude capabilities. It maintains a sea-level cabin until reaching 22,000 feet (6,706 meters), ensuring passenger comfort in the initial climb.

The maximum cabin altitude is 7,500 feet (2,286 meters), which is well within the comfort zone for most passengers.

These features, combined with the aircraft’s impressive performance and range, make the Hawker 800SP a standout option in the mid-size business jet category.

Cockpit of the Business Jet

The avionics package is built around the Honeywell SPZ-8000 suite, which is renowned for its reliability and functionality. The four-tube EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) provides clear, easy-to-read flight information. 

The cockpit is designed for a two-crew operation, ensuring the workload is evenly distributed for optimized performance. It is equipped with dual flight management systems for improved navigation precision. The aircraft also includes TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) and EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System) as standard, enhancing safety during flight.

In order to keep the 800SP compliant and easy to use, many owners opt to upgrade the cockpit technology to the Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite. 

Charter Cost of the Hawker 800SP

For the Hawker 800SP, the estimated charter price in North America stands at approximately $4,100 per hour.

However, it’s important to understand that this figure is not fixed and several variables can influence the overall cost.

These variables can range from the duration and distance of the flight, the time of the year, and even the specific airport fees. Additionally, the price may fluctuate based on the services and amenities requested on board.

Purchase Price and Ownership Costs of the Hawker 800SP

When new, the list price of a Hawker 800SP was around $10 million.

However, with the aircraft no longer in production, prospective buyers are looking at pre-owned markets where the average price of a Hawker 800SP falls to approximately $1.93 million. 

It’s also important to factor in the annual operating costs. Based on an estimated usage of 200 flight hours per year, the annual ownership cost is approximately $880,000. 

his figure encompasses a range of expenditures including crew salaries, maintenance, insurance, and fuel. It’s crucial to remember that ownership costs can fluctuate depending on usage, maintenance needs, and market conditions. Therefore, potential buyers should approach this as a comprehensive investment analysis to ensure a fully informed decision.