BAe 146

BAe 146. The BAe 146 is a short-haul regional airliner and regional jet produced by British Aerospace (later BAE Systems). Originally conceived by Hawker Siddeley in the 1970s, it entered service in 1983 and became known for its quiet operation, high-mounted wing, and four-engine configuration. The aircraft was marketed for its ability to operate from short runways and noisy urban airports, finding roles with numerous airlines and as a corporate jet.

Development and design

The project originated within Hawker Siddeley as the HS.146 after the cancellation of a similar RAF transport, the Hawker Siddeley HS.141. Following the nationalization of British Aerospace, the design was revived to meet demand for a quiet, high-capacity regional jet. Key design features included a high-mounted wing for easy ground access, a T-tail, and four Textron Lycoming turbofan engines chosen for their low noise signature. The design emphasized excellent hot and high performance and the ability to use austere airfields, appealing to operators in regions like the Rocky Mountains and the Andes. The Royal Aircraft Establishment at Bedford conducted extensive wind tunnel testing. The first prototype, built at the Hatfield factory, flew in 1981.

Operational history

The type entered commercial service with Dan-Air on a route from London Gatwick Airport to Bern. It was quickly adopted by airlines needing a quiet aircraft for operations into restrictive airports, such as Pacific Southwest Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport and Air Wisconsin serving Washington National Airport. The Queen's Flight of the Royal Air Force operated a specially outfitted model as the BAe 146 Statesman. The aircraft saw extensive use across Europe, North America, Australia, and South America, with notable operators including Crossair, CityJet, and TNT Airways for cargo. Its quiet operation made it a staple at London City Airport. Many have been converted to freighters, with Airlink remaining a major operator.

Variants

The initial production model was the BAe 146-100, followed by the stretched BAe 146-200 and the further stretched BAe 146-300. A convertible passenger/freighter model was designated the BAe 146QT (Quiet Trader). The military transport version was the BAe 146STA. In 1992, an upgraded series with new Honeywell engines and modernized systems was launched as the Avro RJ, comprising the Avro RJ70, Avro RJ85, and Avro RJ100. A corporate version was marketed as the BAe 146 Statesman.

Operators

Primary civil operators have included Airlink, CityJet, Pan Europeenne Air Service, and Pelita Air Service. Major cargo operators include TNT Airways and European Air Transport. Military and government operators have included the Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Army Air Corps (United Kingdom). The aircraft has also been used by heads of state, including the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Australia.

Specifications (BAe 146-200)

* **Crew:** 2 pilots + 3 flight attendants * **Capacity:** 85–100 passengers * **Length:** 28.55 m (93 ft 8 in) * **Wingspan:** 26.34 m (86 ft 5 in) * **Height:** 8.61 m (28 ft 3 in) * **Empty weight:** 23,359 kg (51,498 lb) * **Max takeoff weight:** 42,184 kg (93,000 lb) * **Powerplant:** 4 × Textron Lycoming ALF 502R-5 turbofan engines * **Cruise speed:** 709 km/h (383 kn) * **Range:** 2,815 km (1,520 nmi) with full payload * **Service ceiling:** 9,450 m (31,000 ft)

Accidents and incidents

The aircraft has been involved in several notable accidents. In 1987, a Pacific Southwest Airlines flight collided with a Cessna 172 over Cerritos, California. In 2001, Crossair Flight 3597 crashed on approach to Zurich Airport. A Turkish Airlines aircraft overran the runway at Trabzon Airport in 2009. A Airlink flight experienced a dual-engine failure in 2020, making a successful forced landing in Mozambique. These events have been investigated by bodies like the National Transportation Safety Board and the Swiss Accident Investigation Board.