I'll update the text to include similar sections as in the previous article about Cessna. I'll create a comprehensive article about Hawker Beechcraft in English, maintaining the structure and depth of the Cessna article.

Hawker Beechcraft: Legend of Business Aviation

In the world of business aviation, few manufacturers have achieved the iconic status and lasting impact of Hawker Beechcraft. With a rich heritage rooted in two legendary aviation brands, this company has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry and setting standards for performance, reliability, and innovation. This article explores the fascinating journey, impressive aircraft lineup, and enduring legacy of one of America's most storied aviation enterprises.

History of Innovation in Private Aviation

The Hawker Beechcraft story begins with the founding of Beech Aircraft Corporation in 1932 by Walter and Olive Beech in Wichita, Kansas. The company quickly established a reputation for manufacturing high-quality aircraft, beginning with the iconic Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing, which revolutionized business travel with its speed and comfort.

Beech Aircraft continued to innovate throughout the decades, introducing the legendary Beechcraft Bonanza in 1947 – one of the most successful and longest continuously produced aircraft in aviation history. The company expanded its product range with the introduction of the King Air series in 1964, creating what would become the world's most successful line of turboprop business aircraft.

In 1980, Beech Aircraft was acquired by Raytheon Corporation. The portfolio expanded further in 1993 when Raytheon purchased the British business jet manufacturer Hawker, bringing together two prestigious aviation brands under one umbrella as Raytheon Aircraft Company. In 2007, the company was sold to Goldman Sachs and Onex Corporation, forming Hawker Beechcraft Corporation.

Path to Bankruptcy and Transformation

The global economic crisis of 2008-2009 hit the business aviation sector particularly hard, with Hawker Beechcraft facing mounting financial challenges. In May 2012, unable to sustain its debt burden, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. After a significant restructuring process, Hawker Beechcraft emerged from bankruptcy in February 2013 as Beechcraft Corporation, focusing primarily on its piston and turboprop aircraft lines while discontinuing most of the Hawker business jet production.

In December 2013, Textron Inc., the parent company of Cessna Aircraft, acquired Beechcraft for $1.4 billion. This merger led to the creation of Textron Aviation, bringing together two legendary American aviation manufacturers under one corporate umbrella and creating one of the world's largest general aviation companies.

Complete Catalog of Hawker Beechcraft Aircraft

Over its storied history, Hawker Beechcraft developed an impressive lineup of aircraft catering to various market segments. Here is a comprehensive list of the company's most notable models:

Business Jets

• Hawker 400/400XP – Light business jet with a range of up to 2,700 km
• Hawker 750 – Mid-size business jet with transcontinental range
• Hawker 800/800XP – Popular mid-size business jet with exceptional reliability
• Hawker 850XP – Improved version of the 800XP with winglets for better performance
• Hawker 900XP – Enhanced mid-size jet with improved engines and range
• Hawker 1000 – Stretched version of the 800 series with increased range
• Hawker 4000 – Flagship super-midsize jet with composite fuselage
• Beechjet 400/400A – Light jet later developed into the Hawker 400 series
• Premier I/IA – Light composite business jet with advanced features

Turboprop Aircraft

• King Air 90 Series – Entry-level twin turboprop business aircraft
• King Air 200 Series – Mid-size turboprop with outstanding versatility
• King Air 300/350 Series – Larger, more powerful King Air variants
• Beechcraft 1900/1900D – 19-passenger regional airliner and cargo aircraft
• Beechcraft 2000 Starship – Innovative forward-swept wing composite aircraft

Piston-Engine Aircraft

• Beechcraft Bonanza – Single-engine piston aircraft in continuous production since 1947
• Beechcraft Baron – Twin-engine piston aircraft known for performance and reliability
• Beechcraft Duchess – Twin-engine training aircraft
• Beechcraft Debonair – Simplified version of the Bonanza
• Beechcraft Travel Air – Four-seat twin-engine aircraft

Military and Special Mission Aircraft

• T-6 Texan II – Military training aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force and Navy
• AT-6 Wolverine – Light attack variant of the T-6
• T-34 Mentor – Military training aircraft
• King Air 350ER – Special mission variant for surveillance and reconnaissance

Flagship Models: Unique Technical Solutions

Hawker 4000: Innovation through Composite Technology

The Hawker 4000 (initially known as the Hawker Horizon) represented a significant leap forward in business jet design when it was certified in 2006. As one of the first business jets to feature an all-composite fuselage, the Hawker 4000 combined lighter weight with greater strength and corrosion resistance.

With a spacious cabin measuring 1.83 m in height and 2.03 m in width, the Hawker 4000 provided exceptional passenger comfort for up to 12 occupants. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines, the aircraft achieved a maximum cruise speed of 870 km/h and a range of 5,700 km, placing it firmly in the super-midsize category.

The aircraft's advanced Pro Line 21 avionics suite, developed by Rockwell Collins, featured four large LCD displays and offered pilots unprecedented situational awareness and flight management capabilities.

King Air 350i: The Ultimate Turboprop

The King Air 350i, the flagship of the King Air series, has earned a reputation as the most versatile and capable turboprop business aircraft on the market. With room for up to 11 passengers, a maximum cruise speed of 578 km/h, and a range of 3,345 km, the King Air 350i offers jet-like performance with turboprop economics.

What truly sets the King Air 350i apart is its operational flexibility. The aircraft can operate from runways as short as 1,073 meters, allowing access to thousands of airports inaccessible to jets. The robust landing gear and airframe design enable operations from unpaved surfaces, making the King Air 350i ideal for accessing remote locations.

Inside, the 350i features the Rockwell Collins Venue™ cabin management system, providing passengers with advanced entertainment options, LED lighting, and connectivity systems. The aircraft's Flexcabin™ system allows for rapid reconfiguration of the interior to accommodate different mission requirements.

Beechcraft Baron G58: Piston Twin Excellence

The Baron G58 represents the pinnacle of twin-engine piston aircraft design. Powered by two Continental IO-550-C engines producing 300 hp each, the Baron G58 delivers a cruise speed of 370 km/h and a range of 2,630 km, making it one of the fastest and most capable aircraft in its class.

The aircraft features Garmin G1000 avionics with a three-screen glass cockpit, synthetic vision technology, and integrated autopilot. This advanced suite provides pilots with enhanced situational awareness and reduced workload.

With seating for up to six passengers in a comfortable cabin, the Baron G58 strikes an ideal balance between performance, utility, and luxury for business and personal use.

Innovations: Technological Superiority

Composite Construction Technologies

Hawker Beechcraft was a pioneer in the use of composite materials in business aviation. The Premier I was the first business jet to feature a carbon fiber/honeycomb composite fuselage, while the Hawker 4000 took this concept further with an all-composite fuselage structure. These innovations resulted in lighter, stronger, and more durable aircraft with improved cabin space and aerodynamic efficiency.

The company's experience with composite technologies began with the ambitious Beechcraft Starship program in the 1980s, which, while commercially unsuccessful, provided valuable lessons that informed later designs.

Advanced Avionics Systems

Hawker Beechcraft aircraft featured some of the most advanced avionics systems of their time. The Pro Line 21 suite from Rockwell Collins, installed in Hawker business jets, offered integrated digital avionics with large-format displays, enhanced weather radar, terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS), and traffic collision avoidance systems (TCAS).

In piston and turboprop aircraft, the company was among the first to embrace Garmin's G1000 integrated flight deck, bringing glass cockpit technology to general aviation and creating a more intuitive and safer flying experience.

Aerodynamic Innovations

The company implemented several aerodynamic innovations across its product line. The addition of winglets to the Hawker 800 series created the 850XP, improving fuel efficiency and performance. The T-tail design employed on many Hawker business jets enhanced stability and performance at high altitudes.

The unique swept-forward wing design of the Beechcraft Starship, while ahead of its time, demonstrated the company's willingness to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of performance and efficiency gains.

Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability Efforts

Hawker Beechcraft demonstrated a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its aircraft through various initiatives:

The composite structures used in several models reduced overall weight, resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions. The company's newer engines, such as those on the Hawker 900XP, featured improved combustion systems that reduced NOx emissions while increasing efficiency.

Under Textron Aviation, the aircraft that continue in production benefit from ongoing improvements in engine technology, aerodynamics, and materials science that further reduce environmental impact. The King Air series, in particular, has seen continuous improvements in fuel efficiency while maintaining its legendary performance and reliability.

As with other business aircraft manufacturers, Hawker Beechcraft models under Textron Aviation now support the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), contributing to the industry's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Legacy and Future Development Under Textron Aviation

Following the acquisition by Textron Inc., the Beechcraft and Hawker brands became part of Textron Aviation, alongside Cessna. While production of most Hawker business jet models was discontinued, the Beechcraft line of piston and turboprop aircraft continues to thrive.

Continued Development of the King Air Series

Textron Aviation has demonstrated its commitment to the legendary King Air series with the introduction of the King Air 360 in 2020 and the King Air 260 in 2021. These updated models feature the latest avionics, autothrottle capability (a first in this category), and interior refinements that enhance the passenger experience while maintaining the aircraft's renowned versatility and reliability.

Modern Support Infrastructure

Textron Aviation maintains a comprehensive global support network for both current production and legacy Hawker Beechcraft aircraft. This includes:

• Factory-owned service centers on five continents
• Mobile service units for on-site maintenance
• A global parts distribution network
• Comprehensive technical documentation and support
• Pilot and maintenance training programs

Parts Manufacturing and Availability

For operators of Hawker Beechcraft aircraft, parts availability remains robust through several channels:

Textron Aviation continues to manufacture and supply original parts for both in-production and legacy Hawker Beechcraft aircraft, ensuring continued airworthiness and support.

Third-party suppliers such as Dallas Airmotive, StandardAero, and Honeywell Aerospace provide components, engines, and avionics support. Companies like Raisbeck Engineering specialize in performance enhancements and modifications, particularly for the King Air series.

PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) providers offer FAA-approved alternative parts for many components, often at competitive prices compared to OEM parts.

Comparison with Competitors: Unique Advantages

Compared to Cessna

While now part of the same corporate family, Hawker Beechcraft aircraft traditionally offered different advantages compared to Cessna models. The King Air series provided greater passenger capacity and comfort than competing Cessna turboprops, while the Hawker business jets typically featured larger cabins than Citation models of similar range.

Beechcraft piston aircraft like the Bonanza and Baron established themselves in a premium segment, with more powerful engines and sophisticated systems than comparable Cessna models, though at a higher acquisition cost.

Compared to Bombardier

Hawker business jets positioned themselves as more cost-effective alternatives to Bombardier's Challenger and Global series, offering competitive performance with lower acquisition and operating costs. The Hawker 4000 targeted a similar market segment as the Challenger 300 but with innovative composite construction.

Compared to Dassault

While Dassault Falcon jets generally offered superior range and speed compared to Hawker models, they came at substantially higher purchase prices. Hawker aircraft appealed to operators who valued practical capabilities and life-cycle costs over ultimate performance and European styling.

Compared to Embraer

The Brazilian manufacturer Embraer emerged as a strong competitor in the business jet market with its Phenom and Legacy series. Hawker aircraft typically offered more traditional designs with proven reliability, while Embraer emphasized newer technology and innovative cabin designs.

Conclusion: An Enduring Aviation Legacy

Despite the corporate changes and challenges faced by Hawker Beechcraft, the legacy of these iconic brands continues to influence business aviation today. Thousands of Hawker jets and Beechcraft aircraft remain in active service worldwide, testament to their durability, performance, and timeless design.

The integration into Textron Aviation has ensured that the technological heritage and customer support for these aircraft continue uninterrupted. The ongoing development of the King Air series demonstrates the enduring value of these platforms in meeting the diverse needs of business and special mission operators.

For pilots, owners, and passengers, the Hawker and Beechcraft names will forever be associated with aviation excellence, representing a golden era of American aerospace engineering and manufacturing that shaped the very nature of business air travel. As part of the broader Textron Aviation family, these legendary aircraft continue to write new chapters in their remarkable story.