The Hawker 800A is the first of the 800 series private jets by British Aerospace and among the most popular in the industry due to its well-known high performance standards.

The 800A while 2 generations away from its well-known and highly popular 800-XP sibling, the two are strikingly similar. Their cabins are identical, but the -800XP has an additional 45 cubic feet of external baggage compartment. The 800A is 600 pounds leaner and burns on average 30 gallons per hour less than the 800XP. The lower average fuel burn is due to the slower average cruise speed of only 95% of the 800XP’s 403 knots.

The Hawker 800A differs externally by its winglets, which the 800XP does not have, adding stability, especially in turbulent weather. The smooth wing of the 800XP however creates less drag allowing a faster cruising speed with a lower fuel burn.

The slightly slower speed of the 800A is due to less powerful engines, using 2 AlliedSignal TFE731-5R-1H engines, each giving off 4,200 pounds of thrust on takeoff. This is roughly 400 pounds less thrust than the -800XP, being still quite sufficient for its size in the category.

The Hawker 800A reaches its maximum cruising speed of 442 ktas at 37,000 feet. For long range cruise speeds, it flies at its maximum flight ceiling of 41,000 feet, averaging a speed of 401 ktas. On a high speed flight it burns 250 gallons per hour, about 68 gallons more than while flying at long-range speeds. Its average fuel burn for an entire flight, including climb and descent, is 261 gallons per hour.

The Hawker 800A requires 5,600 feet of runway to take off at sea level, while at an elevation of 5,000 feet and a temperature of 77 ˚ F, the requirement increases to 9,000 feet. After such a take off, the NBAA IFR range is 2,920 miles (2,539 nautical miles). Such flights would include New York to Los Angeles or Singapore to Beijing.

The cabin of the Hawker 800A is typically configured with eight seats: a 4 person club section, a 3 person divan, and 1 forward-facing seat. The seats are fully adjustable and can swivel 360°. Various soundproofing options are available with cabin noise levels usually staying in the low 70-db range. It has a pressurization differential of 8.6 psi, thus allowing it to maintain a sea level cabin at a maximum of 22,000 feet.

The cockpit of the Hawker 800A was one of the first to be fully digital. Flight information is displayed on one of 5 screens. Avionics are based on the Honeywell SPZ-8000 suite, including GPS, High Frequency communications, GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System), TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), and dual autopilot.

The Hawker 800A strikes a fine balance between the primary private jet sales factors of fuel economy, climb and cruise performance, with a short takeoff distance.