The Hawker Siddeley HS146 was initially launched as a design study in 1971. It wasn't until the 29th August 1973, that the company announced it was designing a shortrange quiet airliner powered by four small turbofans. However, in 1974, due to adverse economic conditions, the project was put on hold. It wasn't until the formation of British Aerospace in 1977 that it was dusted off and major partners sought to bring it into reality. The programme was relaunched 10th July 1978 with Hatfield being designated the final assembly site, work on the aircraft began and the BAe 146-100 first flew on 3rd September 1981. Certification was achieved in both the UK and the USA during the first half of 1983.
(Colour Picture Top Right - Showing Manufacturing Breakdown)
BAe 146 Manufacturing Breakdown 1981-1992
Final assembly at Hatfield 1981-1992 at Woodford 1988-2002
BAe Hatfield
BAe Chadderton
BAe Filton
BAe Brough
BAe Prestwick
BAe Hamble
Shorts
SAAB Scania
Dowty
Avco/Textron Lycoming
Textron Aerostructures
(Colour Photograph Bottom Left) - BAe Chadderton was responsible for the fully equipped Rear Fuselage. This consisted of the rear fuselage including the rear pressure bulkhead, the rear door vestibule drum and a short, almost parallel, section of the rear cabin.
(Colour Photograph Bottom Right) - The main 146 Assembly Bay 2 at Chadderton. Here the major sub-assemblies were manufactured and joined together in the Boxing Sites. Fixed fittings and some early equipment installation work was completed before the transfer by road to Hatfield.