Bae Jetstream

Background

The British Aerospace Jetstream has its roots in the Handley Page H.P.137. Originally conceived as a 12-20 seat executive/commuter, construction of four prototypes was begun in January 1966. The first flew on August 18, 1967, and the first production Jetstream 1 on December 6, 1968. The uprated Jetstream 2 was introduced in late 1969, (as the 31st production aircraft). However, by the time certification was underway the expanding costs had led the 60 year-old Handley Page company into liquidation, activity ceasing in 1970. The project was eventually picked up by Scottish Aviation Ltd and the 18 passenger Jetstream 200 went into production. Although a USAF order was cancelled, the aircraft was used for training by the RAF in three versions, with 26 aircraft delivered from 1973. The aircraft (as T.1, T.2, and T.3 models) remains in service with 45(R) Squadron.

In 1978 Scottish Aviation was absorbed as a Division of British Aerospace, and on December 5, 1978 a new version of the Jetstream was announced. The prototype (G-JSSD) was converted from a Jetstream 1 and first flew on March 28, 1980. The first production aircraft was rolled out on January 25, 1982. Four versions (18/19 passenger airliner, 12 seat executive, corporate, and a special role) were produced. A heavier Super 31 version first flew on October 7, 1988. The Jetstream 32 is further uprated (1020shp TPE331-12) and features the Edam installation to wings and tail improving the aerodynamics, as well as cockpit upgrades.

Three airlines currently operate Jetstreams in New Zealand. Origin Pacific introduced the Jetstream 31 in 1997. Originally intended to cater for the charter market, they now fly scheduled services in conjunction with Metros. The Jetstream 32EP is used by Rex Aviation (NZ) and Air National - both under the Ansett New Zealand Banner. Air National currently operate on the Wellington-Rotorua route (with the aircraft having commenced work on October 26, 1998). The Rex Aviation (NZ) aircraft replaced the former Bandeirante fleet on June 4, 1999 and operate wider regional services based on a Wellington hub. The currently operating aircraft are:

Jetstream 31 (series 3100 model 3102)

• ZK-JSA (c/n 839 ex G-31-839, G-IBLX, G-GLAM, G-OEDG) Was first flown on October 5, 1988. The aircraft was leased to Soc.Aliblu Airways, Air Kilroe, Manx Airlines, Eurodirect Airlines, and then Manx Airlines (Europe). It arrived in Nelson as G-GLAM on May 10, 1997, and was registered to Inglis Aircraft on May 27. The aircraft was transferred to Origin Pacific on June 19, 1997.
• ZK-JSH (c/n 838 ex G-31-838, G-IBLW, G-WENT, G-OEDD, OO-EDA) Was first flown on September 29, 1988. The aircraft was used as a demonstrator in South East Asia during 1990, and was subsequently leased to Soc.Aliblu Airways, Manx Airlines, Eurodirect Airlines, and then SkyFreighters NV. It arrived in Nelson as G-IBLW on May 27, 1997, and was registered to Inglis Aircraft on May 29. The aircraft was transferred to Origin Pacific on June 19, 1997.
• ZK-JSI (c/n 761 ex G-31-761, I-BLUO, G-BSZK, G-LOGV, G-OEDA) Was first flown on June 26, 1987. The aircraft was operated by Soc.Aliblu Airways, Loganair, Eurodirect Airlines, and then Manx Airlines (Europe). It arrived in Nelson on August 4 as G-LOGV, and was registered to Origin Pacific on August 26, 1997.

Jetstream 32EP (series 3200 model 3201)

• ZK-ECN (c/n 967 ex G-31-967, N967JS) Was first flown on July 16, 1992. Exported to the US, it left Prestwick on August 26, 1992. The aircraft was leased to West Wing Airlines in California (operating in American Eagle colours). It completed services on March 2, 1996, and was placed in storage at Paso Robles, Ca. It arrived in Auckland on October 16, 1998, and was registered to Air National on October 19.
• ZK-ECP (c/n 878 ex G-31-878, N878AE, VH-BAE) Was first flown on January 26, 1990. Exported to the US, it left Prestwick on March 9, 1990. The aircraft was sold on April 11, 1990 and ferried for storage on May 10. The registration N878JX was allocated on November 16, 1994, but not taken up. In September 1998 the aircraft was flown to Australia. It was registered as VH-BAE with Australian Jet Charter P/L and subsequently used as a demonstrator. It arrived in Auckland on July 18, 1999, and was registered to Air National on July 30.
• ZK-RES (c/n 969 ex G-31-969, N969AE) Was first flown on August 21, 1992. Exported to the US, it left Prestwick on October 2, 1992. The aircraft was leased to West Wing Airlines in California (operating in American Eagle colours). Placed in storage August 4, 1996. It arrived in Wellington on April 15, 1999, and was registered to Rex Aviation (NZ) on April 29.
• ZK-REW (c/n 968 ex G-31-968, N968AE) Was first flown on August 4, 1992. Exported to the US, it left Prestwick on September 11, 1992. The aircraft was leased to West Wing Airlines in California (operating in American Eagle colours). Placed in storage September 7, 1996. It arrived in Wellington on March 26, 1999, and was registered to Rex Aviation (NZ) on April 6.
• ZK-REY (c/n 946 ex G-31-946, N946AE) Was first flown on September 29, 1991. Exported to the US, it left Prestwick on October 29, 1991. The aircraft was leased to West Wing Airlines in California, and then Air Virginia. It arrived in Wellington on February 26, 1999, and was registered to Rex Aviation (NZ) on March 24.

One other aircraft, a series 3100 model 3101 has been operated by Origin Pacific.

• ZK-JSX (c/n 651 ex G-32-651, N406AE, N651JX, VH-PAJ) Was first flown on January 9, 1985. The aircraft was leased to Metro Express, Chaparral Airlines, and Metroflight in Texas, before joining Simmons Airlines in Chicago. Exported to Australia in 1995, it was operated by Impulse Airlines from Mascot. It arrived in Nelson as VH-PAJ on March 14, 1997, and was registered to Inglis Aircraft on March 26. The aircraft was transferred to Origin Pacific on June 19, 1997. The aircraft departed from Auckland on November 30, 1998 for Latrobe, PA. The registration was cancelled on December 4, 1998, and the aircraft became N651VN.

Last Update:- 24 November, 1999

Technical Data

Data is for the Jetstream 31

• Accommodation2+19/2+1+18
• Dimensions
  • Span, 15.85m (52'0ft)
  • Length, 14.36m (47'2ft)
  • Height,5.32m (17'6ft)
• Weight
  • empty,3,450kg (7,606lb)
  • max,6,600kg (14,550lb)
• Power Plant2 x 900shp Garrett TPE331-10 turboprops
• Performance
• max speed,488km/h (303mph)
• max climb,/min (m/min)
• ceiling,31,600ft (9,630m)
• range,779km (484miles)

Images

© 1999 Phillip Treweek, all rights reserved