BAE Systems - BAe 146-100
On 29 August 1973 Hawker Siddeley Aviation announced that it was developing a turbofan-powered, short-range, regional jetliner optimised for stage lengths of around 150 miles (240km) and with accommodation for 71 passengers. The aircraft would be both exceptionally quiet and offer short-field performance as well as the capability to fly multi-stop short sectors without refuelling. Configured with a high-mounted wing and powered by four Avco Lycoming ALF 502R-3 turbofans rated at 30.4 kN (or later 502R-5s rated at 30.99 kN). Designated as the HS.146, the aircraft marked the culmination of research which had begun in 1959 when the then De Havilland Aircraft Company undertook studies for a proposed short-range twin turboprop, the DH.123, which had progressed through to the HS.144 twin jet project. Neither of these projects achieved production, with development of the twin-turbofan HS.144 been abandoned in April of 1971 after the company had been unable to source a suitable powerplant. Two years later the HS.146 sought to fulfil a similar mission to its HS.144 predecessor, but this time with a four–engined layout. The initial development period proved to be short-lived however, as, in the unfavourable economic climate ensuing following the 1973 Oil Crisis, the British Government withdrew financial backing in October 1974. Hawker Siddeley responded by suspending full-scale development but elected to keep the project alive with low-level research and development work. Hawker Siddeley become part of the new British Aerospace conglomerate in 1977 and the 146 was to become the first design produced by the new entity, now known as the BAe 146 and announced on 10 July 1978. Two models were now to be developed; the Series 100 with seating for up to 82 passengers and the Series 200, seating up to 100. Various BAe factories in the UK would be involved in the production of the 146, as would international risk-sharing partners, principally including: Avco Aerostructures of the United States (producing the main wing torsion box); Saab Scania of Sweden (producing all moving control surfaces and the tailplane); and Short Brothers of Northern Ireland (producing the powerplant nacelle pods). The first BAe 146-100 took to the air for the first time on 03 September 1981 and UK certification was achieved on 04 February 1983. The first Series 100 customer, Dan-Air, took delivery of their first aircraft on 23 May 1983, placing the type into service four days later. Other customers included Air Pac and Aspen Airways of the US and the biggest single customer, CAAC of China who took ten. The 146 was marketed as a VIP/Corporate jet known as the “Statesman” and in this configuration it attracted customers including Formula 1 racing’s governing body (a converted passenger aircraft), The Government of Mali and the Royal Air Force’s Queen’s Flight. The fuselage of the Series 100 was stretched twice to produce the Series 200 and Series 300, as described separately. The BAe 146 was supplanted in production by the Avro RJ series which was launched on 08 June 1992. A further modernisation of the basic 146 airframe and engine combination, the Avro RJX was announced in March 2000; however, the project was cancelled in November 2001 in the aftermath of “9/11”. The last production BAe 146-100, for Druk Air of Bhutan, was delivered on 11 September 1992. Total BAe 146 production reached 221 aircraft of all variants, including 35 Series 100s.
