BAE Systems - Avro RJ-100ER
The Avro RJ100 was an improved derivative of the BAe 146-300 Series, offered after the Avro RJ family was launch on 08 June 1992. The RJ100 was powered by the improved Honeywell LF 507 turbofans rated at 31.14kN. Other improvements included an upgraded interior with a slightly wider passenger cabin and a digital flight deck and avionics suite. The first RJ100 was modified from a BAe 146-300 and flew for the first time prior to the official programme launch date on 13 May 1992. In 1995 BAe became part of the AI(R) consortium alongside Franco-Italian manufacturer ATR and continued to market the Avro RJ family. AI(R) collapsed in 1997 but RJs continued to be marketed by BAe. Planned production of the type in Malaysia In 1997 by Kazanah Nasional Berhad fell through in 1997 and BAe elected to continue production on its own. The initial RJ100 customer, Aegean Airlines took delivery of their first aircraft on 30 April 1999 and other major customers included British Airways CitiExpress, Crossair, SN Brussels Airlines and Turkish Airlines. A planned RJ115 development was marketed but no orders were forthcoming. In March 2000 BAE Systems announced the new RJX series, powered by Honeywell AS977 turbofans. The first RJX, an 85 model flew for the first time on 28 April 2001, and the company planned to market three versions, the RJX70, 85 and 100. However, on 27 November 2001, BAE Systems announced the cancellation of the entire RJX programme, citing the poor sales prospects for the type in the aftermath of the “9/11” attacks in the USA. When the last RJ off the Woodford production line was delivered to Air Botnia in November 2003, total Avro RJ production had reached 173, of which 71 were RJ100s.
/Ian Joyce
