British Aerospace 125

The British Aerospace 125, originally developed by the de Havilland Aircraft Company in the early 1960s, emerged as one of the most successful business jets of its era. Its lineage began with the DH.125, a sleek, twin‑engine design that first flew in 1962 and entered service in 1965, quickly gaining a reputation for speed, range, and reliability. When de Havilland merged into British Aerospace in 1977, the aircraft was rebranded as the BAe 125, though the fundamental airframe remained unchanged. Powered by two Garrett (later Honeywell) TFE731 turbofan engines, the jet could cruise at Mach 0.78, carry up to eight passengers, and cover roughly 2,000 nautical miles—capabilities that made it attractive to corporations, governments, and military customers alike. Notable variants such as the 125‑700, 800, and 900 incorporated upgraded avionics, increased fuel capacity, and higher take‑off weights. Over 1,600 units were produced, spanning more than three decades, and the type served as a testbed for avionics innovations and special‑mission modifications. Its longevity and adaptability cemented the BAe 125’s role as a workhorse of corporate aviation and a benchmark for subsequent midsize business jets.

de Havilland Aircraft Company

British Aerospace 125

Classification

Performance

Production & History

Design & Classification