The BAe-125, originally developed as the de Havilland DH.125 and later produced by Hawker Siddeley and British Aerospace, is one of the longest-running and most successful mid-size business jets in aviation history. First flown in 1962, it evolved through numerous variants and was produced under several different manufacturers, including Raytheon and Hawker Beechcraft, with later models branded as the Hawker 800 series.

Its design emphasized comfort, performance, and range in a relatively compact and versatile airframe. Known for its ability to operate from shorter runways, the BAe-125 series also found widespread use in military and government roles around the world.

Key Specifications (Typical BAe-125-800 Series)

• Crew: 2 (pilots).
• Capacity: 6–9 passengers.
• Length: 15.6 m (51 ft 1 in).
• Wingspan: 15.6 m (51 ft 1 in).
• Height: 5.5 m (18 ft).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~12,700 kg (28,000 lb).
• Engines: 2 × Honeywell TFE731-5R-1H turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: ~835 km/h (518 mph, Mach 0.80).
• Range: ~4,800 km (2,982 mi).
• Ceiling: 13,700 m (45,000 ft).

Notable Features

• Legacy and Longevity: Produced over multiple decades (1960s–2000s), with more than 1,600 units built across various marks and series.
• Quiet and Comfortable Cabin: Configured for business use with club seating, lavatory, and galley; praised for its quiet ride.
• Runway Flexibility: Capable of operating from shorter runways, allowing access to regional airports.
• Evolution of Models: From early turbojet-powered versions (e.g., HS.125 Series 1) to more modern variants (e.g., Hawker 800XP) with upgraded avionics and engines.
• Military and Government Use: Widely adopted for calibration, VIP, and surveillance roles by air forces worldwide.

Operators & Usage

• Corporate and Charter: Common in business aviation across North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Military Roles: Used by the Royal Air Force (as the Dominie T1), U.S. Air Force, Brazilian Air Force, and others for training, liaison, and VIP transport.
• Training and Calibration: Specialized variants used for radar calibration, navigation aid testing, and training of flight crews.
• Notable Operators: Royal Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, U.S. military branches, and numerous civilian charter companies.