Max Kingsley-Jones/LONDON
BAE Systems is developing cockpit upgrades for the BAe 146 family that will enhance the regional jet's operational capabilities and ensure it remains compliant with new legislation.
Although the programme has not been finalised, BAE is already offering upgrades to BAe 146 operators, either as a package or individually.
The programme includes:
• Category 3 low-visibility landing capability;
• Honeywell enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS);
• reduced vertical separation minima (RVSM) equipment;
• new fibre optic and flat-panel flightdeck displays.
BAE Systems Asset Management (BAEAM) is examining two options to enhance the BAe 146's all-weather capability, which is now equipped to Category 2. One option would be to adopt a modified version of the Avro RJ Honeywell digital flight guidance system (DFGS Lite) which provides a Category 3A automatic landing capability.
BAE, however, is more likely to adopt a head-up guidance system, the BAE Systems Visual Guidance System (VGS). This will provide a 50ft (15m) decision height/200m runway visual range (RVR) landing capability and a 75m RVR take-off ability.
Instrumentation upgrades that will improve reliability include fibre-optic gyros to replace gyroscopes, a new weather radar from Honeywell or Rockwell Collins; and a flat-panel liquid crystal display (LCD) retrofit for non-electronic flight instrumentation system-equipped BAe 146s. Rockwell Collins and Universal are in the running to provide the LCDs.
BAE is preparing to launch the upgrades, but says the timing of various elements depends on demand. It aims to have the first avionics upgrade installations available within 12-15 months of launch. VGS equipping could start in late 2001.
The avionics upgrade is expected to cost about $600,000 per aircraft and the VGS retrofit would add $500,000.
Meanwhile, BAE Regional Aircraft has created a new trading and services business. The operation has been created from the BAE AM arm which has traditionally remarketed BAE-built aircraft in which the manufacturer has financial recourse. This role is being expanded to include third-party customers and non-BAE aircraft.
New services include aircraft re-marketing and trading, finance services, lease management and technical services.
Discussions are under way with a number of banks and several lessors to manage their aircraft fleets. Early clients include ChryslerCapital and Smyrna, Tennessee-based Corporate Flight Management.
Source: Flight International
