Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
British Aerospace expects to launch development of the re-engined Avro RJ-X programme with the RJ-85 as a result of stronger market interest in the smallest version of the regional jet family.
Two unbuilt RJ airframes have been allocated to the development programme, aircraft serial numbers 376 and 378. Production at Woodford of the first flight test aircraft is to start next April, with the second a month later. Service entry is set for May 2001.
"Based on the level of interest shown by predominantly European airlines, it looks as if we'll start with the 80-seat RJX-85 and have the RJX-100 follow. We have the flexibility until the end of the year to change that if the balance swings towards the 100," says Nick Godwin, BAe vice-president marketing.
BAe has presented sales proposals to 10 potential launch customers for the AlliedSignal AS977-powered RJ-X. They include one carrier in the USA, widely believed to be Air Wisconsin, and two operators in Australasia. The rest are in Europe, where major operators which include British Airways, Crossair, Lufthansa and Sabena have shown interest. "They are mainly RJ/146 operators," adds Godwin.
The company is mapping out a flight test schedule and has met the UK Civil Aviation Authority to discuss certificating the aircraft as a derivative of the 146. BAe and its two partners, AlliedSignal and nacelle supplier GKN Westland, have completed a critical design review and plan to begin windtunnel testing this month.
Testing will focus on the nacelle and pylon interface, which is longer than on the LF507-powered RJ85/100 to accommodate the larger 7,000lb-thrust (31kN) AS977. Static load testing of the new pylon will start next June. The first two test powerplants have already been run.
BAe has decided for now to retain the RJ's Honeywell electronic flight instrumentation system cockpit, as none of the technical and commercial proposals it received "fitted in" with what is required.
"We may entertain an update to the cockpit in three to four years' time, when we would go for flat screen displays," says Godwin.
Source: Flight International
