Aircraft To Be Used In Flight Test Training, Other Capacities

Defence, technology and security company Qinetiq has upgraded part of its aircraft fleet with the purchase of an Avro RJ100 jet transport, bearing manufacturer’s serial number E3368, from UK aircraft asset manager Falko. The RJ100 (similar aircraft pictured) which is scheduled to enter service in the first quarter of 2012, will replace a turboprop Hawker Siddeley748 Andover and a BAC One-Eleven jet, both of which were used to support research and development trials and flight test training.

The aircraft was delivered to QinetiQ in mid-December and then ferried to Avalon Aero Limited at Cranfield Airport, Bedfordshire for maintenance and modification prior to entering service. Operationally, the aircraft will be used to support the training of test pilots and flight test engineers at the prestigious Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS) at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Boscombe Down establishment in Wiltshire, as well as for the flight testing of a variety of airborne technology developments.

The Avro RJ family was selected by QinetiQ following the thorough evaluation of a number of candidate types. QinetiQ cited the configuration, handling characteristics and performance of the Avro RJ as positively influencing their decision. They also considered the type’s proven track record for reliability, and its ability to be readily modified with additional instrumentation and experimental systems.

FMI: www.falko.com, www.qinetiq.com