Duncan Aviation Dramatically Modifies Hawker 800XP

Duncan Aviation showcases a Hawker 800XP after a complete refurbishment by the team of experts at Duncan Aviation’s full-service facility in Battle Creek, MI. The aircraft left the Duncan Aviation facility having received engine inspections, airframe maintenance, winglets, Gogo AVANCE L5, a stand-by instrument replacement, and a paint and interior overhaul.

The owner wanted a clean, sleek and modern interior, so Carie Bruss, lead designer of the project, gave the aircraft a “showroom” look by including white upholstery, dark woodwork paired with white-gold accents, and LED lighting.

Bruss was presented a photo showing an interior color palette and seat design that the owner was drawn to. Taking that inspiration, she put her own spin on the seat design and created a diamond pattern, modifying the pulls and stitching and tailoring them toward the owner’s particular seat frame to achieve what he was after. 

A veneer trim piece on the lower sidewalls was removed and replaced with a plated trim piece, which the Duncan Aviation technicians milled grooves into to achieve an updated look that fit the owner's vision. An almost black chocolate-brown veneer was used on the cabinetry, which reveals warm undertones in the sunlight that prevents the interior from feeling too cold. The aft lav countertop received Duncan Aviation’s hydrographic finish with a white marble pattern, and Prizm color-changing LED lighting was also installed.

The owner already had an idea of what he wanted for an exterior paint scheme but needed guidance on the final greys to use for the stripes. He also wanted to ensure the exterior would follow the interior design. The scheme they landed on was a white fuselage with a dark gray tail and horizontal stab. Flowing grey stripes on the fuselage and tail help visually lengthen the aircraft and tie in the interior color palette.

“This Hawker has, by far, one of the most stunning interior and exterior color palettes,” says Bruss. 

Jack Bauder, who was a lead designer at the time and assisted with the project, says that when the aircraft was delivered it was completely unrecognizable from its initial condition. “If I hadn’t been a part of the project, I wouldn’t have believed it’s the same aircraft,” says Bauder. “The transformation was that dramatic. The transformation from what the aircraft looked like coming in to what it transformed into was stunning.”

For more information, call +1 402.475.2611 or visit www.DuncanAviation.aero.