The BAe 146-200 is a regional jet airliner developed in the United Kingdom and forms part of the BAe 146 family, which includes the -100, -200, and -300 variants. Here's a brief but detailed history of the BAe 146-200:

Origins and Development

Manufacturer: Initially developed by British Aerospace (now part of BAE Systems).

First Flight (146 Series): September 3, 1981 (BAe 146-100 prototype).

The BAe 146-200 variant first flew on August 1, 1982 and entered commercial service in 1983.

The 146 family was built at Hatfield Aerodrome in Hertfordshire, England.

Design Characteristics

Engines: Four Avco Lycoming ALF 502R-5 turbofan engines mounted on pylons under a high wing.

Known for quiet operation, leading to the nickname "Whisperjet."

High T-tail design and steep approach capability, ideal for noise-sensitive airports and short runways (e.g., London City Airport).

Passenger Capacity: Around 85–100 passengers, depending on configuration.

Range: Approximately 1,300 nautical miles (2,400 km).

Operational Use

Served a mix of regional airlines and national carriers, especially in Europe, North America, and Australia.

Used in challenging environments like alpine airports (e.g., Swissair, Air Dolomiti).

Later became popular for cargo conversion and firefighting (aerial tanker variants like the BAe 146 Airtanker/Avro RJ85).

Successor and Variants

Avro RJ Series: In the 1990s, the 146 was updated and rebranded as the Avro RJ series (RJ70, RJ85, RJ100), with more efficient engines and modern avionics.

The RJ85 is the direct successor to the 146-200.

Retirement and Legacy

Many 146-200s have been retired from passenger service due to age and operating costs.

Still in use for cargo transport, VIP roles, and aerial firefighting.

Notable operators included: Crossair, Ansett Australia, United Express, and Air Wisconsin.