Looking to extract another QW aircraft from my depository, I decided to test out the BAe-146, which always appeared rather "unique-looking" to me. There was a time, when, I guess, 4 engines on a regional jet could be still marketable, since the production of (BAe 146 + Avro RJ) seems to have run for nearly 20 years. And now we fly non-stop ~18 hours across the world in 2 engine jets. My longest (as passenger) was for 17-17.5 hours a couple of years ago in a 777 (economy class...probably would not do such non-stop again, if I can avoid). But, on a related note, my only First Class travel (in Air France) several years ago (my only time, and will be surely the last time...pretty much used up all of my SkyTeam mileage points...🙂...) was truly memorable. Full-size wine bottles to choose from, exquisite entrees, delicious selection of chocolates etc., and, yes, the silky-soft blankets for sleep...Oh well, I should be back to thinking about my next economy-class meal-trays (freshly thawed - chicken or fish?) and, as to blankets, the one that comes in the wrapper will do...

Anyway, here are a some screenshots for the Ansett Australia airline (noted to have operated for 66 years), and its BAE-146, which was used on regular flights between Melbourne (YMML) and Tasmania's capital city Hobart (YMHB) - before Ansett ceased all operations in 2001. Thanks for viewing.

 

 

Indeed, Germans nicknamed it "jumbolino" alluding to it being a baby 747.

The four engines worked at the time because any twin engine alternative was noisier; the Lycoming ALF502 (laterly Honeywell LF507) is a geared turbofan (like the modern PW1000G GTF) allowing a higher bypass ratio and slower fan, resulting in a very quiet engine. It's basically a Chinhook helicopter T55 engine with a fan bolted on the front. The 146 concept was based on the predicted emergence of city centre STOLports with steep approaches and severe noise restrictions, although they never really materialised aside from London and Toronto City airports.

However, somewhat sedate performance at altitude meant the 146 was often said to have 5 APUs and the early engines weren't the most reliable with BAe being said to stand for Bring Another Engine! It was also said it had 2 engines to get you there, and 2 to get you back. This improved with the LF507 fitted to the Avro RJ which had FADEC.

Edited August 14, 20187 yr by ckyliu

Ansett-Australia. What memories evoked.

First cross-country flight Down Under in 96.

Great set of pix.

 

Interesting notes and observations!

Regarding the aircraft, I was wondering how this 4-engined small jet could be quiet in operation. So, the Whisperjet marketing name seems to have had some validity after all...

Regarding Ansett, did a bit of looking around, how such a well-esteemed airline met its collapse seems to be a painful lesson in history about the dynamics and consequences of global acquisitions and mergers...

Thanks guys!!

Nice, I have flown on the BAE-146 several times in California and Nevada, it is a nice aircraft with great window views given the location of the wing.

John