The British Aerospace BAe-146, later updated and rebranded as the Avro RJ (Regional Jet), is a high-wing, four-engine regional jet known for its quiet operation, short takeoff and landing capability, and T-tail design. First flown in 1981 and entering service in 1983, the aircraft was built in several versions to meet the needs of both commercial and specialized operators.

Unlike most regional jets, the BAe-146 series features four turbofan engines mounted on pylons underneath the wing, contributing to its quiet profile—an asset for operations at noise-sensitive airports like London City. The design proved versatile enough to be adapted for military, cargo, and firefighting applications.

Key Specifications (BAe-146-200 / Avro RJ85)

• Crew: 2 (pilots), typically 2–3 cabin crew.
• Capacity: 85–112 passengers (depending on variant and configuration).
• Length: 28.6 m (93 ft 10 in).
• Wingspan: 26.3 m (86 ft 3 in).
• Height: 8.6 m (28 ft 2 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~44,225 kg (97,500 lb).
• Engines: 4 × Honeywell ALF 502 or LF 507 turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: ~780 km/h (485 mph, Mach 0.74).
• Range: ~2,900 km (1,800 mi).
• Ceiling: ~10,700 m (35,000 ft).

Notable Features

• Quiet Operation: Marketed as the "Whisperjet" due to its low noise levels—ideal for city-center airports.
• STOL Performance: Excellent short runway performance allowed it to operate in and out of airports with challenging conditions.
• Four-Engine Safety: Unusual for a regional jet, offering redundancy and performance benefits in steep climbs.
• Versatility: Used in configurations ranging from passenger to cargo, VIP, firefighting (as water bombers), and military surveillance.
• Evolution into Avro RJ: Later models (RJ70, RJ85, RJ100) featured modernized avionics and more efficient engines, extending the aircraft’s commercial lifespan.

Operators & Usage

• Commercial Airlines: Widely used by regional carriers such as Air Wisconsin, CityJet, Swissair, and Brussels Airlines.
• Government & Military: Operated by UK’s Royal Air Force, Swiss Air Force, and others for transport and surveillance.
• Specialized Roles: Avro RJ85 and RJ100 variants were converted into aerial firefighting aircraft by organizations like Conair and Air Spray.
• Cargo & Private Use: Several aircraft converted into freight or private VIP aircraft after retirement from commercial service.