Post by Simtech Aviation

This week we are looking at the AVRO RJ 146 one of the few four engine aircraft still operational in small numbers. Designed for the regional and short-haul markets, the 146 was manufactured from 1983 until 2002. In 1973, British aircraft maker Hawker Siddley launched a project to fill the gap that existed in the market between the turbo-props and smaller jets. The BAe 146 was designed to operate to regional destinations with short and rough runways. For this reason, the design favoured a high wing and T-tail. The engines did not have reverse thrust for the same reason, as this would cause dust and small stones to be thrown against the aircraft. June 1981, BAe took their first order for the BAe 146 from Líneas Aéreas Privadas Argentinas. The first commercial service of the BAe 146 was flown in May 1983 by Dan-Air, a flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Berne(BRN), Switzerland. In January 1987, the BAe 146 was selected as the launch jet aircraft for London City Airport (LCY). It was at the time the only conventional jet aircraft that could use this airport. In all, 387 BAe 146/Avro RJs were produced. By July 2019, there was only 94 aircraft in active service around the world, A number of these are fulfilling roles as water and fire-retardant bombers. #aviation