Re: First of the RAF's 'New' 146's Delivered
Posted: 25 Mar 2012, 22:03
Not going to try an multi-quote, but a couple things -
1) The BAe-146's biggest problem is the engines. They're getting long-in-tooth and that's the biggest issue. If it was economical to re-engine with the AS977 then I think you'd see the -146 around for many more years. Unfortunately, with the engines getting worn out and the noise being loud compared to the modern powerplants, it's just not worth the expense.
2) The A318's are being scrapped not for parts (although that's a plus) but because they were wholly unacceptable aircraft. Airbus suspended production because no one could make money with them and there were tons of quieted problems with the type as far as handling unsuitability in foul weather because it's just too short. The few A318 operators are rapidly exchanging their aircraft for A319s or EMB-170's and EMB-190's. Airbus tried to do what Boeing had done with the 737-500 and -600 and found out just as they did that the market for that size of aircraft is very small. A purpose-built aircraft of that class is much better at handling the market.
3) World Airways & Southern Airways I know have TACAN on their aircraft. Omni International may have fitted it on a couple of theirs as well. Several also have MLS equipped on their aircraft as well. TACAN used to be more common on Military Charter (then MACS, Military Air Charter System) contractors, but nowadays, most of their flying is into civilian airports anyway, so the need for military equipment isn't as great. However, World & Southern do a lot of support for more "interesting" parts of the military, so they go into military bases more often than most and thus the need for the military navigation system.
1) The BAe-146's biggest problem is the engines. They're getting long-in-tooth and that's the biggest issue. If it was economical to re-engine with the AS977 then I think you'd see the -146 around for many more years. Unfortunately, with the engines getting worn out and the noise being loud compared to the modern powerplants, it's just not worth the expense.
2) The A318's are being scrapped not for parts (although that's a plus) but because they were wholly unacceptable aircraft. Airbus suspended production because no one could make money with them and there were tons of quieted problems with the type as far as handling unsuitability in foul weather because it's just too short. The few A318 operators are rapidly exchanging their aircraft for A319s or EMB-170's and EMB-190's. Airbus tried to do what Boeing had done with the 737-500 and -600 and found out just as they did that the market for that size of aircraft is very small. A purpose-built aircraft of that class is much better at handling the market.
3) World Airways & Southern Airways I know have TACAN on their aircraft. Omni International may have fitted it on a couple of theirs as well. Several also have MLS equipped on their aircraft as well. TACAN used to be more common on Military Charter (then MACS, Military Air Charter System) contractors, but nowadays, most of their flying is into civilian airports anyway, so the need for military equipment isn't as great. However, World & Southern do a lot of support for more "interesting" parts of the military, so they go into military bases more often than most and thus the need for the military navigation system.
oops, no whistling 
no wall either 
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