HS 125-1 base model

The Hawker Siddeley HS 125‑1 base model emerged in the early 1960s as the first generation of what would become one of the most enduring midsize business‑jet families. Developed from the unfinished de Havilland DH.125 project, the HS 125‑1 made its inaugural flight on 18 August 1961 and entered commercial service the following year, initially powered by two Rolls‑Royce Avon AJ 22 turbo‑jets. Its conventional low‑wing layout, pressurised cabin and tricycle landing gear set a new standard for corporate and government transport, offering a spacious 3‑to‑6‑passenger interior with stand‑up headroom and a range of roughly 1 900 nm at cruise speeds near Mach 0.78. The aircraft’s robust aluminum airframe, simple systems and proven Avon engines contributed to high reliability and low operating costs, factors that attracted airlines, air forces, and charter operators worldwide. Over its production run, the HS 125‑1 spawned numerous variants, each refining avionics, fuel capacity and performance, and laid the groundwork for later models such as the HS 125‑200 and the renowned Gulfstream III lineage. Its lasting impact lies in establishing a versatile, economical platform that helped define the modern business‑jet market and cemented Hawker Siddeley’s reputation as a pioneer of corporate aviation.