1.
Models (rotates)
899 ft

2.
Model (track out)
649 ft

3.
Wind tunnel (Engineer checks)
876 ft

4.
" "
941 ft

5.
" " tilt down to control panel
958 ft

6.
G.V. mock up
282 ft

7.
Interior flight dock (mock up)
337 ft

8.
Interior cabin showing 6 abreast seating
385 ft

9.
C.U. fitting of seats
428 ft



Initials



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Hawker Siddeley today released the first details of its proposed quiet 70/100-seat turbo-fan airliner, the HS 146. A request for launching aid for this aircraft is now with the British Government.

Powered by four AVCO Lycoming fan jets, this "good-neighbour" aircraft will have environmental acceptability not achieved previously.

Hawker Siddeley's extensive world-wide market research programme has indicated that by 1982 there will be a market for some 1,500 aircraft of this type, of which a share of some 420 is conservatively estimated for the HS 146. First flight is envisaged for 1975 with deliveries in 1976.

The aircraft - product of the world's most experienced jet-liner design team - promises to revolutionise travel over shorter stages by bringing the standards of the latest intercontinental airliners to communities previously inaccessible to jets. It can operate from short, semi-prepared airstrips with minimum ground facilities - linking remote townships situated amongst difficult terrain to major centres of population.

Powered by four twin-spool high-bypass turbo-fans, the HS 146 can operate anywhere that today's twin turboprops can fly. The sound level is so low-complying with projected noise restrictions by substantial margins - that the aircraft can operate closer to centres of population that any present-day present-day airliner.

The four-engine power package offers outstanding airfield, terrain clearance and climb gradient capabilities, coupled with an operating cost per flight that is between 15 and 20 per cent lower than those of today's short-haul jets, with a seat-mile cost up to 15 per cent less than that of current twin turboprops.

These characteristics, combined with the HS 146's low unit cost, offer profit possibilities on routes which previously could not support an economic air transport operation.

A high wing configuration has enabled Hawker Siddeley's designers to make the aircraft adaptable and versatile for ultra short-haul. Doors, at each end of the cabin, facilitate adaption from passenger to mixed passenger-cargo loads and are close to the ground for quick turn round. There are also two large and easily-loaded underfloor cargo holds.

The standard aircraft with its 11 ft 8 ins (3.56 metres) wide fuselage seats 71 passengers five abreast at 33 in. pitch at a standard of comfort better than current short-haul jets. For higher density markets, a six abreast configuration (identical to ten abreast version of the DC-10) will accommodate 88 passengers at 31 in. pitch - at an extremely low cost per seat.

To be developed and produced simultaneously, the high-capacity HS 146-200 version uses identical systems and structure, but has a fuselage lengthened by four frame pitches to increase the maximum seating capacity to 102.

Overall, the design objectives have been to provide a highly productive, reliable and durable aircraft - with the best possible operating economics and, at the same time to achieve radically new standards of acceptability relative to the environment.

The aircraft is well adapted to rough-field operation, frequently encountered by aircraft such as HS 748, which is expected to continue in production for many years to come.

Long life and widespread use of the HS 146 are ensured by the considerable development potential in the basic design with its wide fuselage, quiet engines mounted under the wing and close to the aircraft's centre of gravity, and its relatively simple high-lift devices.