HS 125-1A

The Hawker Siddeley HS 125‑1A, introduced in 1962, marked the beginning of one of the most successful midsize business‑jet families. Developed from the earlier de Havilland DH.125 prototype, the 1A was the first production model of the HS 125 line and entered service with private operators and corporate flight departments across Europe and North America. Powered by two Rolls‑Royce Viper turbo‑jet engines delivering 2,500 lbf thrust each, the aircraft offered cruise speeds around Mach 0.65 (≈430 kt) and a range of roughly 2,200 nautical miles, allowing nonstop transcontinental trips. Its pressurised cabin accommodated up to eight passengers in a spacious, low‑noise environment, and the simple, all‑metal airframe gave reliable performance with relatively low operating costs.

The HS 125‑1A set a benchmark for business aviation by combining jet speed with the comfort of a small airliner. Its success encouraged the development of later variants such as the 1B, 2, and the modern Hawker 800 series. The model also found limited military use as a liaison and training platform, demonstrating its versatile design. Overall, the HS 125‑1A helped establish the business jet market and paved the way for the widespread adoption of corporate jet travel worldwide.