BAE Systems is preparing to fly its BAe 146 Atmospheric Research Aircraft (ARA), as the company nears completion of a major refit of what was the first 146 to roll off the production line (Flight International, 31 December 2002 - 6 January 2003).
The 146-300 ARA will be used by the UK's Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurement to assess global warming, pollution levels and atmospheric radiation, mainly in UK airspace.
Accommodating up to 18 scientists, the aircraft features additional fuel tanks and an increased operational ceiling of 35,000ft (10,675m).
Externally, the aircraft has two wing pylons each supporting up to four scientific equipment canisters, external radiometer blisters and laser apertures and avionics upgrades.
Source: Flight International
