ALLIEDSIGNAL ENGINES believes that a 30-seat regional jet may be economically feasible and has embarked on a study to examine the market for regional jets with fewer than 50 seats. General Electric, meanwhile, says that it is in the "exploratory phase" of studying the market for 35- to 45-seat regional jets.
AlliedSignal marketing director for regional airlines, Darrel Downing, says that the company is working with several manufacturers to understand the market for a "sub-50-seat" regional jet. "We think we can do it. We think the market is there, but it needs more study," he says.
Powerplants being considered for the sub-50-seater are AlliedSignal's LF507, improved AS908 derivative and a new centreline engine, Downing says. GE's general manager for small turbofan engines, Lloyd Thompson, says that his company is looking at the existing CF34 and GE/AlliedSignal CFE738. "There will be a sub-50-seat jet," Thompson believes.
Downing is confident that there will be a market for a regional jet of fewer than 50 seats "-if we could get the economics of a turboprop and still get the mission flexibility [for longer routes] of a jet". The acquisition and operating costs of the 31kN (7,000lb)-thrust-class LF507 are competitive with those of a turboprop "from propeller to tailpipe", he claims.
AlliedSignal's modelling studies are based around a 30-seat regional jet, Downing reveals. "We have to convince the industry that there is economy below 50 seats and, for that, we need the right partnership with an aircraft manufacturer," he says, cautioning that he is not aware of any aircraft which would be available "in the near term".
Raytheon raised the prospect of new small regional jet at the 1995 RAA convention, when it suggested that its then-unlaunched new business-jet (the Premier I) could have applications in the regional market. A year ago, Raytheon discussed its thoughts on extending its presence in the regional market beyond the 19-seat Beech 1900D, with the implication that it was looking to develop a small regional jet. Industry interest appears to be shifting towards a smaller generation of regional jets as demand in the 19-30 seat turboprop market has flattened out.
Source: Flight International
