BAe 146-100

British Aerospace · UK · first flew 1981 · airliner

The BAe 146-100 is the original and shortest variant of the four-engine regional jet family, seating up to 82 passengers in a fuselage noticeably more compact than the stretched -200 and -300.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	4 × turbofan, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	Shortest of the 146 family — stubby fuselage noticeably shorter than -200/-300 when compared on ramp
T — Tail	T-tail

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Shortest of the 146 family — stubby fuselage noticeably shorter than -200/-300 when compared on ramp
Four ALF 502 turbofans under high wing with distinctive double-slotted flap system
T-tail and high wing are unmistakable; fewer cabin windows than -200 due to shorter barrel

Shorter fuselage than the -200 and -300 — count cabin windows (typically 9-10 per side versus 12-13 on -200); all 146 variants share the same wingspan so length is the key differentiator.

Specifications

The BAe 146-100 has a length of 26.2 m (86 ft).
It has a wingspan of 26.34 m (86 ft).
Its maximum speed is 789 km/h (490 mph).
Typical crew: 2 flight crew.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in September 1981 after a decade of development delays, the 146 entered service with Dan-Air in 1983; the -100 was aimed at short sectors and 'hot and high' airports where its quiet four-engine performance excelled.

Variants

The -100 was followed by the 7.5 m stretched -200 and further-stretched -300; the Avro RJ series replaced these with updated avionics and CFE738 options.

Where you'll see it

Operated by Dan-Air, Air Wisconsin, and Air UK among others; the RAF operates the BAe 146 CC.2 (a -100 variant) for VIP transport with No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron.

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