Built in 1981 as the BAE 146-100 prototype aircraft, in 1986 the airframe was then extended by 16 feet and became the prototype for the stretched BAE 1460300 variant.
Retired by British Aerospace in 2004, this unique aircraft then took a new lease of life as a flying laboratory for use by the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM).
With a range of more than 2,000nm – compared to the standard 146-300 which offers around 1,500nm – the FAAM aircraft is capable of operating all in almost every part of the world, apart from in Antarctica.
Since its delivery to the research organisation in 2004, the jet has carried out science campaigns in more than 30 countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia.
The Honeywell LF 507-1H-powered example can fly as low as 50ft over the sea and sustained flight at 100ft. The service ceiling is 35,000ft.
With flights typically lasting between one and six hours, the jet can carry up to 18 scientists who are responsible for guiding the mission and also supporting the operation of up to four tonnes of scientific equipment, thought the exact amount can vary based upon the mission requirements.
The jet is used by universities from across the United Kingdom and also by the Met Office, the country’s national weather service.
Despite being more than 40 years old, the airframe still has many years of life in it.
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