BAE Systems - Avro RJ-85ER
The Avro RJ85 was an improved derivative of the BAe 146-200 Series, offered after the Avro RJ family was launched on 08 June 1992. The RJ85 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 RJ85 was modified from a BAe 146-200 and flew for the first time prior to the official programme launch date on 23 March 1992. As with the original 146 Series, Avro RJ85 and RJ100 models were available in either QT or QC Combi or Convertible form, featuring a large cargo door on the left side of the rear fuselages, but no orders for these models were forthcoming. The initial RJ85 customer, Crossair took delivery of their first aircraft on 23 April 1993 and other major RJ85 customers included Lufthansa CityLine, Sabena, Mesaba and Air Botnia. 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 by Kazanah Nasional Berhad also fell through in 1997 and BAe elected to continue production on its own. In March 2000 BAE Systems announced plans to replace the Avro RJ in production with the new RJX series, powered by Honeywell AS977 turbofans, which would again be available in three fuselage lengths as the RJX70, 85 and 100. 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 Avro RJ off the Woodford production line was delivered to Air Botnia in November 2003, total Avro RJ production had reached 173, of which 87 were RJ85s.
