BAE Systems

BAe 146-200

146 B462 Out of Production

Dubbed the 'Whisper Jet' for its remarkably quiet four-engine design, the BAe 146-200 first flew in 1982. Four Honeywell ALF502R-5 turbofans seat 85 in normal use and up to 112, ranging about 2,909 km at an unhurried 667 km/h. The high-winged jet runs 28.60 metres long on a 26.21-metre span, working to 9,450 metres at weights near 42,184 kg. Steep-approach capability and low noise made it a fit for London City Airport and isolated airstrips worldwide. The compact airframe stands 8.61 metres tall and carries about 12 cubic metres of cargo. Production has long since ended, and controllers list it as B462.

Dimensions

Length: 28,60 m
Wingspan: 26,21 m
Height: 8,61 m
Cabin Width: 3,42 m

Performance

Range: 2 909 km
Cruise Speed: 667 km/h
Max Speed: 764 km/h
Service Ceiling: 9 450 m
Category: short-haul

Capacity

Typical Seats: 85
Max Seats: 112
Cargo Volume: 12,00 m³
Size: regional

Engines

Count: 4
Type: Turbofan
Model: Honeywell ALF502R-5

Engine Profiles

Honeywell LF 507 Honeywell ALF 502

About BAe 146-200

Le 'Whisper Jet' — l'un des avions commerciaux les plus silencieux jamais construits, grâce à ses quatre petits réacteurs à fort taux de dilution. Il a desservi les opérations en approche raide de l'aéroport de Londres City et des aérodromes isolés dans le monde entier.

Frequently Asked Questions

The BAe 146-200 typically seats 85 passengers in a standard all-economy configuration with a 3-2 seating arrangement. In a high-density layout, it can carry up to 112 passengers. The cabin is 3.42 m wide, offering reasonable comfort for a regional aircraft. The 146-200 is the mid-size variant, positioned between the shorter -100 and longer -300.

The BAe 146-200 has a maximum range of approximately 2,909 km (1,570 nautical miles). The aircraft is powered by four Avco Lycoming ALF 502R-5 turbofan engines, making it one of the few four-engined regional aircraft. Despite the inefficiency of four engines at this size, the BAe 146 earned the nickname Whisperjet for its remarkably quiet operations.

Modern regional jets like the Embraer E175 are far more fuel-efficient with two engines instead of four and offer similar or greater capacity with better range. The BAe 146's main advantage was its exceptional short-field performance and steep approach capability, allowing it to serve airports like London City that other jets could not reach. The four-engine redundancy also enabled overwater operations from day one without ETOPS restrictions.

The BAe 146-200 has a highly distinctive appearance with its four small engines, high-mounted wing, and T-tail. The high wing gives the aircraft a characteristic look with the engines hanging close to the fuselage. It has a compact, stubby fuselage and sits high off the ground. The airbrake, a large panel that opens from the belly of the aircraft, can often be seen deployed during approach, adding to its distinctive silhouette.

The BAe 146 (and its updated Avro RJ variant) ended production in 2003 after 394 aircraft were delivered across all variants. The type has been largely retired from mainline airline service due to high fuel consumption from its four engines. However, the BAe 146 found a second career as an aerial firefighting tanker, with several aircraft converted to carry fire retardant. A small number remain in passenger service with niche operators in Europe and Africa. The type's STOL capabilities have kept it relevant for specialized operations.