30 Apr 2001
Ref: 062/2001
BAE Systems today announced the first flight of its Avro RJX regional jet. The aircraft took-off from Woodford Airfield in Cheshire, UK at 12:16 hrs local time on Saturday 28th April and successfully completed a planned 2 hour 54 minute maiden flight, which took it to 20,000 ft.
Captaining the RJX on this first flight was Alan Foster, RJX Project Pilot, who said afterwards: "Today's first flight went as planned with all tests easily completed, which bodes well for the rest of the programme.
The aircraft handled beautifully throughout the flight, displaying the RJX's heritage, complemented by the advantages of the new engine. Any pilot converting from the Avro RJ or BAe 146 will feel immediately at home in the RJX. The most obvious differences from the earlier aircraft were the lower fuel flow rates and the improved climb rate due to the increased thrust at altitude.
This is an aircraft we will all enjoy flying over the coming months during the intensive test phase. It is a tribute to the engineering team that created it."
Aircraft Services Group's Managing Director Mike O'Callaghan commented: "In a little over two years we have taken this project from a paper agreement with Honeywell to the reality of a flying aircraft.
I firmly believe that, with the Avro RJX, we will have a successful long-term programme that will benefit BAE Systems, our employees, partners, suppliers and local communities and - most vital of all - our customers."
This first aircraft, an Avro RJX-85, will later be joined by two of the larger RJX-100 aircraft in a flight test programme that will last into the first quarter of 2002. First delivery will be to British European in April 2002.
The Avro RJX has already secured 14 firm orders from British European and Druk Air of Bhutan and 14 options from British European and British Airways subsidiary CityFlyer. The Avro RJX is a third generation regional jet developed from the BAe 146 and Avro RJ. This successful family of aircraft has captured a total of 399 orders, with 378 aircraft delivered to date.
BAE Systems is the truly global systems, defence and aerospace company.
BAE Systems employs more than 120,000 people, in eight home markets around the world and has annual sales of some 12 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills.
BAE Systems designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon
