AVRO RJ
In 1993 an upgraded Avro RJ series superseded the BAe 146. Changes included newer higher-thrust FADEC LF 507 turbofan engines housed in new nacelles. Modernised cockpit with digital avionics with Cat 3A Autoland. Made in 3 variants RJ70, 85 & 100.
(Colour Photograph Bottom Left) - The last two aircraft near completion bringing to an end the manufacture of the Avro RJ.
AVRO RJX
On 16th February 1999, an improved RJ range using the Honeywell AS977 turbofan was announced at the Avalon Air show (near Melbourne, Australia).
Assembly of the first RJX, an RJX85, began before formal launch of the programme on 21st March 2000. Druk Air of the Royal Bhutan Airlines was to be the launch customer for the AVRO RJX, with orders for two Avro RJX-85s announced in April 2000.
On 27th November 2001, the RJX programme was cancelled citing the economic climate following the events of 9/11 as the cause.
Two Prototype RJX Aircraft were constructed at Woodford the first an RJX85 First Flew on the 28th. April 2001and last flew on the 10th January 2002. It was then stored at Woodford until departing by road to Prestwick during 2011.
The Second prototype an RJX100 First Flew on 23rd September 2001 and ended life on departure to Manchester Airports Viewing Park on 6th February 2003.
After producing some 394 of the 146 RJ and RJX aircraft, these were the last Commercial Airliners to be produced in the UK.
The Only Production RJX First Flew on 9th January 2002 and last flew a week later after 8:55 hours, never being delivered it eventually was scrapped at Woodford in 2004.