British Aerospace has begun phase two of a performance-enhancement programme for the Jetstream Super 31 at Prestwick, Scotland. The package is aimed at boosting the aircraft's hot-and-high payload by up to 365kg, or four passengers.
Phase One improvements included the introduction of a flapless take-off setting and the installation of drag-reducing aerodynamic fairings between the engine nacelle and wing joint. The changes, in conjunction with a water-methanol power augmentation system, will be available to operators in July .
Phase Two concentrates on reducing stall speed by up to 4kt (7km/h) at any given weight, and optimising propeller ground-idle position to improve short-field performance. The goal is to enable maximum-weight take-offs from sea-level airfields shorter than 1,370m (4,500ft) at ISA +15íC. "Configurations on test include different patterns of vortex generators and strakes," says BAe.
Source: Flight International