The BAe 146-200 is a stretch of the
146-100, while the Avro RJ85 in turn is a modernised version of the
146-200.
The 146-200 is essentially similar to its smaller stablemate, but has a
2.39m (7ft 8in) longer fuselage, is slightly higher, features 35% greater
underfloor cargo volume, has slightly different performance figures and
heavier weights. The stretch consists of five extra fuselage frame
pitches. The first BAe 146-200 made the type's maiden flight on August 1
1982, while the UK CAA awarded the 146-200's type certificate on February
4 the following year.
Versions of the 146-200 include the `Quiet Trader' freighter, which has
been fairly successful because of its low external noise footprint, and
the `Quick Change' passenger or freight convertible.
The improved Avro RJ85 first flew on March 23 1992, and like the small
RJ70 and larger RJ100, is a modernised development of the basic 146, with
improvements including more reliably and efficient FADEC equipped
AlliedSignal LF 507 engines, enhanced `Spaceliner' cabin and a digital
flightdeck.
British Aerospace (and for a time the AI(R) consortium) has been quite
successful marketing the RJ85 in particular to `blue chip' airline
customers and the 146/RJ line is now profitable. Further improvements to
the basic design (particularly new engines) are now being considered.
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