The Beechcraft story

A range of significant moments in the life of an aircraft factory

The 1930's

Beech Aircraft Corporation is founded in 1932 by Walter H. and Olive Ann Beech. The first Beechcraft produced is the Model 17, AKA the Staggerwing. Designed especially for the business traveler, this 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." Produced until 1970, the 33 years of continuous Model 18 production was a record until finally surpassed by the Beechcraft Bonanza.

The 1940's

During World War II, Beechcraft produces 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. After 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.

The 1960's

In 1961 Beech introduces the Beechcraft 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, which quickly establishes itself as the industry standard in corporate jetprops. Today, the various King Air models maintain a market share of more than 90 percent in their class. 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’.

The 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. The aircraft with its new turbofan engines had double the range of the turbojet-powered 600 even though they both had the same fuel capacity. In 1974, Beech delivers the first Beech King Air 200, which brings new standards of room, speed, and passenger comfort to a business airplane. Beech has delivered nearly 2,000 Model 200s in civilian and military versions. 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 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.

The 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. Beechjet is a 535-mile-per-hour eight-to-ten passenger transport and features new business jet technology. 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. It featured state-of-the-art avionics, a large swept wing and a forward canard. 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. The company pays for the retrofit for any airworthy Bonanza affected. Early 1988 Beech announces it will relocate assembly and subassembly work on the Beechjet from Mitsubishi facilities in Japan to Kansas, creating hundreds of new jobs for American workers. 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. With a wider wing span, double-club seating and two-foot-high winglets, the 350 is the most comfortable and capable King Air ever built. In December 1989, the Beech Starship is certified.

The 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 March 1991, Beech is awarded a type certificate for the 1900D Airliner, a state-of-the-art 19-passenger, pressurized aircraft featuring a 71-inch stand-up cabin, more baggage capacity, and improved passenger comfort features. In October 1991 Beech introduces the new King Air C90B, which features a redesigned passenger cabin, new sound absorbent and moisture resistant interior panels, four-blade propellers, new propeller spinners and a new paint scheme. On January 17, 1992, Beech delivers the first T-1A Jayhawk to the U.S. Air Force in ceremonies near the company's jet assembly line. 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. 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 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, which utilizes the latest technologies in design and construction. Also in September 1995, the first Hawker 800XP (Extended Performance) is delivered to a customer. 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, in November 1996. In June 1997, Raytheon Aircraft announces the formation of Raytheon Travel Air, an aircraft fractional ownership company featuring the Hawker 800XP, the Beechjet 400A, and the King Air B200. In spring of 1997, the company marks 50 years of continuous production of the popular single-engine Bonanza series. 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.

The 2000's

On March 23, 2001, Raytheon Aircraft celebrates the Federal Aviation Administration certification of the new Premier I business jet, the first certified business jet with a composite fuselage. On May 30, 2001, James E. Schuster is named Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Aircraft, succeeding Hansel Tookes, who becomes President of Raytheon International Inc. On Aug. 11, 2001, the new super mid-size business jet, the Hawker Horizon, conducts its maiden flight. The composite-fuselage jet flew a 2 ½-hour mission from Wichita’s Beech Field that tested the aircraft’s flying qualities, engine operation, low-speed handling and climb performance. At NBAA 2002, Raytheon Aircraft announced the return of the Hawker and Beechcraft brands. Both known worldwide for their high performance, reliability, and large, comfortable cabins the brands represent corporate-flown aircraft (Hawkers) and those certified for single-pilot flight (Beechcraft). On May 6, 2003, Raytheon Aircraft introduces the Hawker 400XP at the 2003 European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition. This new Hawker, formerly known as the Beechjet 400A, is a critical step in the company’s overall strategy to create distinct branding references for its customers.

On Oct. 7, 2003, Raytheon Aircraft introduces the Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suites for the Beechcraft King Air 350 and B200, marking a long line of product upgrades and enhancements for the King Air line. On May 25, 2004, the 100th Premier I is delivered to a business in Virginia. On July 27, 2004, Raytheon Aircraft Company announces a fully integrated glass cockpit with Garmin G1000 avionics into the Beechcraft Bonanza and Beechcraft Baron. In April 2005 the aircraft are formally renamed Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and Beechcraft Baron G58. 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 18, 2005, the T-6B upgraded primary training aircraft begins the first leg of its world tour. The tour includes flight demonstrations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia on display at the Air Show Down Under in Avalon, Australia, the Paris Air Show in France and the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the U.K. On March 8, 2005, the 300th T-6A primary trainer is delivered to the U.S. Air Force, marking substantial progress on the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System program contract that calls for the delivery of 800 aircraft through 2017. On March 16, 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company reaches a tentative agreement with NetJets to purchase up to 50 Hawker Horizons for its expanding fractional market fleet. On May 18, 2005, the Hawker 800XPi is unveiled at EBACE as an improved version of the Hawker 800XP, featuring avionics upgrades, new cabin management system, and a standard 5-year warranty on the airframe, engines and avionics. The new Premier IA is also announced as the next evolution to the industry-leading Premier I, featuring a totally redesigned interior and avionics enhancements.

On June 13, 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company announces the Beechcraft King Air 350ER, an extended range special mission aircraft that provides a one-company solution by combining expertise from two of Raytheon’s other businesses, Space & Airborne Systems and Technical Services Company. On July 25th, Raytheon Aircraft Company unveiles the new Beechcraft King Air C90GT, an evolution of the popular Beechcraft King Air C90B. The upgraded Beechcraft King Air C90GT delivers a 25-knot increase in max cruise speed and up to 50 percent reductions in the time needed to reach optimum cruise altitude. On August 9, 2005, Hainan Airlines becomes the first Raytheon Aircraft Authorized Service Center in mainland China. On September 20, 2005, the National Aeronautics Association presents an official speed record for the Beechcraft Premier I at the National Championship Air Races and Air Show in Reno, Nevada, USA. On October 25, 2005 Raytheon Aircraft Company certified the new Beechcraft Premier IA, the largest single-pilot jet in the world. On November 3, 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company announces 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 introduces the Hawker 850XP, the newest aircraft in the Hawker family, utilizing winglets designed by RAC. The aircraft is an evolution of the highly successful Hawker 800XPi. On November 8, 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company announces that its super-midsize Horizon business jet will transition to the Hawker family nomenclature as the Hawker 4000. On December 2, 2005, Netjets, Inc. signes a contract for the purchase of 50 Hawker 4000 super midsize aircraft for their global fractional fleet, the largest single commercial order in the history of Raytheon Aircraft Company. On December 15, 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company announces certification of the Beechcraft Baron G58, the first piston-twin with a fully integrated avionics system. On December 20, 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company obtaines certification for the King Air C90GT. The upgraded King Air's new PT6A-135 Pratt & Whitney engines increase the airplane’s max cruise by 26 knots.

On January 12, 2006, Raytheon Aircraft Company is awarded a $1.1 Billion supply chain contract from the U.S. Air Force for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS). On March 2, 2006, the mid-size Hawker 850XP, the next generation in a continuing line of successful Hawker 800-series aircraft with RAC-developed winglets, achieves certification. On June 1, 2006, Raytheon Aircraft Company completes function and reliability testing on the Hawker 4000 super-midsize aircraft. On July 18, 2006, Raytheon Aircraft Company unveiles 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 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. The most advanced super-midsize jet in the world today, it has features of a much larger airplane with technology that leads the industry in almost every respect. 2007: the 75th anniversary of Beechcraft, marked by celebrations throughout the year including an Open House in Wichita.

On March 26, 2007, Raytheon Aircraft Company becomes 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. On August 24, 2007, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation achieves certification of the newest aircraft in the Hawker family, the Hawker 900XP. The aircraft is the latest evolution of the world's best-selling, mid-size Hawker 800-series. On February 12, 2008, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation achieves certification on the Hawker 750, featuring the cutting edge Collins Pro Line 21TM avionics package and the highly successful Honeywell TFE731-5BR engine. On May 192008, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation launches the Beechcraft Premier II light business jet. Evolving from the highly successful Premier 1A, the Premier II goes higher, farther and faster than its predecessor. On October 5, 2008, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation announces the launch of its light business jet, the Hawker 450XP. On March 23, 2009, W.W. (Bill) Boisture Jr. is named Chairman and CEO of Hawker Beechcraft, succeeding James E. Schuster, who retires. On April 10, 2009, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation delivers its first special mission extended range King Air 350ER to the U.S. Air Force. On May 11, 2009, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation delivers its first Beechcraft Baron G58 and Bonanza G36 to customers in the United Kingdom and Poland, marking the first EASA certified pistons to enter service in Europe.