The company that became Hawker Beechcraft was founded by Walter and Olive Beech in Wichita in 1932.
- The first Beechcraft produced is the Model 17 — the classic Beechcraft "Staggerwing." Designed especially for the business traveler, the airplane proves to be faster than military pursuit airplanes of the day and wins numerous air races.
- In 1937, Beech introduces the Model 18 "Twin Beech." This airplane is to business what the DC-3 is to the airlines. Produced until 1970, the 33 years of continuous Model 18 production was a record until surpassed by the Beechcraft Bonanza.
- During World War II, more than 14,000 Beechcrafters produce some 7,400 airplanes for the United States and Allied armed forces. It is estimated that 90 percent of all U.S. Army Air Corps bombardiers and navigators are trained in AT-7 and AT-11 aircraft — derivatives of the Beechcraft Model 18.
- Following the war, in 1947, Beech introduces the Model 35 Beech Bonanza. The new Beech is a high-performance, single-engine, business airplane. Its record for continuous production is still lengthening.
- In 1961, Beech introduces the Baron B55, the forerunner of today's Baron G58, one of the most popular owner-flown twin-engine aircraft available.
- In 1962, the 125 business jet was first conceived by the DeHavilland Aircraft Company as a purpose-designed jet for personal business travel. It featured a cabin with stand-up headroom throughout its 19-feet 4-inch length and first flew with a Rolls Royce Viper 520 turbojet engine.
- In 1964, Beech introduces the Model 90 Beech King Air. It quickly establishes itself as the industry standard in corporate jetprops. Today, the various King Air models maintain a market share of more than 90 percent in their class.
- In 1968, Beech enters an expanding commuter airline market with the Beechcraft 99 Airliner.
- By 1968, the 125 business jet undergoes several engine changes and other airframe modifications to reflect the latest standards. The DeHavilland Aircraft Company by that time had been bought by the Hawker Siddeley Corporation and the 125 series aircraft became better known simply as the ‘Hawker’.
- In 1971, the Hawker airframe experiences its first big change – a fuselage stretch of two feet. The 600 series featured the 3,750-pound Rolls Royce Viper 601 turbojet engine, a 25,000-pound takeoff weight and a range of over 1,500 nautical miles.
