Beechcraft Turns 75

At this week's Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. Hawker Beechcraft Corp. (HBC) is showcasing different aircraft from its history to mark the 60th anniversary of the Beechcraft Bonanza and the 75th anniversary of Beechcraft itself.

Recent changes that have enhanced Beechcraft's competitiveness in the last year include its official transformation from Raytheon Aircraft Co. to Hawker Beechcraft Corp., says HBC spokesman Mike Turner.

"As a private company, we can now focus solely on being the world's leading business, special-mission and trainer aircraft manufacturer," Turner says.

Leveraging two legendary brands in aviation will better enable HBC to expand its international sales force, he adds. Key markets on its radar are Europe, Russia, India and China. In June HBC announced new contracts with sales and aviation organizations in Asia and the Middle East, intended to expand its market presence in these world regions.

Turner says other milestone innovations in HBC's history include the Beechcraft King Air, a business aircraft used worldwide, and the Beech Starship, which led to the development of the Beechcraft Premier and Hawker 4000.