Working Together – Building Our Future

1995, Raytheon Aircraft introduces the Premier I

Raytheon Premier I debuts at the annual convention of the National Business Aircraft Association in September 1995, as the first entirely new light-jet in the industry in three decades. The six-passenger Raytheon Premier I is the first composite-fuselage business jet, and is the first light jet to combine the high-speed swept wing technology with a large six-passenger composite fuselage. This aircraft was designed after extensive market research identified comfort, performance and value as the desired features it its class of business aircraft.

1995, Beech MkII is chosen for Air Force and Navy’s primary trainer aircraft

On June 22,1995 the Beech Mkll is chosen for the U.S. Air Force and Navy’s next-generation primary trainer after a highly competitive selection process. The multibillion-dollar program calls for production of more than 700 aircraft. The joint services would soon name the aircraft the T-6A Texan II. The company expects significant international sales over the life of the program.

1996, Raytheon Aircraft introduces Hawker Horizon

During the National Business Aircraft Association convention in November 1996, Raytheon Aircraft introduced the company’s all-new, super mid-sized jet, the Hawker Horizon. Providing an exceptional combination of comfort, performance, and value, the Horizon captures the look and feel of the Hawker line while offering operators a new, larger cabin, wing design, more powerful Pratt & Whitney engines, and the latest Honeywell Primus Epic avionics. The Hawker Horizon is destined to become the largest aircraft in the Raytheon Aircraft fleet.

1997, Raytheon Aircraft announces formation of Raytheon Travel Air

In June 1997, Raytheon Aircraft announces the formation of Travel Air, an aircraft fractional ownership company featuring the Hawker 800XP, the Beechjet 400A and the King Air B200. Raytheon Travel Air was established to lower the cost of business aviation for a broader range of customers and to serve the fractional aircraft ownership market by offering top-quality products and world-class services. Within two years Raytheon’s Travel Air scored No.1 in an independent survey for customer satisfaction among fractional ownership companies.

1998, First T-6A Texan II makes maiden flight

The first production T-6A Texan II marked its first maiden flight in July 1998. The T-6A Texan is the first production aircraft for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) program. Four other production aircraft would join the first to conduct flight tests in preparation for its first delivery in 1999. In the flight profile, the Texan T-6A, powered by a 1,100-horse-power Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68 engine, reached an altitude of 13,000 feet, and flawlessly conducted a series of flight tests and systems checks. In 1999, the T-6A received FAA Type Certification after more than nine years of effort at Raytheon Aircraft.

1998, First flight of Raytheon Aircraft’s Premier I

Exactly 53 years to the day from the first flight of the famed Beech Bonanza on Dec. 22, 1945, the Raytheon Premier I took to the skies for the first time. Raytheon Aircraft test pilot Charlie Volk and flight engineer Warren Gould flew a successful 62-minute debut, paving the way for certification efforts in 2001.

2001, Certification of Premier I business jet

On March 23, 2001, Raytheon Aircraft celebrated the Federal Aviation Administration certification of the new Premier I business jet. The Premier I is the first certified business jet with a composite fuselage, and the first clean-sheet business jet certified by Raytheon Aircraft.

2001, Raytheon delivers first Premier I

Raytheon Aircraft delivered its first all-new Premier I business jet to Omaha, Neb.-based businessman Troy Eaden in a Wichita ceremony on June 22, 2001. The Premier I is the first in a series of new-technology business jets being produced by Raytheon Aircraft.

2001, Hawker Horizon makes first maiden flight

On, Aug. 11, the new super mid-size business jet, the Hawker Horizon, conducts its maiden flight. The composite-fuselage jet flew a 2 & 1/2-hour mission from Wichita’s Beech Field that tested the aircraft’s flying qualities, engine operation, low-speed handling and climb performance. The aircraft flew to 10,500 feet and operated at speeds up to 225 knots.

2002, Rebranding of product line

Raytheon Aircraft announced a rebranding of their Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft product line at NBAA 2002. As part of the rebranding, Raytheon Aircraft is concentrating on serving the two distinct types of customers. The Hawker division will include the Hawker Horizon, Hawker 800XP and Beechjet 400A. The Beechcraft Premier I will be the flagship of the formidable Beechcraft fleet that includes the Beech Baron, Beech Bonanza and Beech King Airs C90B, B200 and 350.