FOKKER AVIATION is studying a possible re-engineing programme for ageing F28s, replacing the type's Rolls-Royce Speys with General Electric CF34s or with R-R Tays.
Over 200 F28s are still flying and at least one operator, Scandinavian Airlines System, has already invested in Fokker 70-style cabin upgrades for its aircraft. A Chapter 3-compliant hushkit for the F28 was proposed by a Fokker/TAT joint venture in 1992, but shelved because of a lack of orders.
The aircraft is exempt from US Stage 3 noise regulations as its maximum take-off weight falls below 34,050kg - a limitation which does not apply in Europe.
Source: Flight International
