“The British Aerospace (BAe) 146 is an important addition to the British Airliner Collection because it represents another leap forward in technology in response to ever stricter noise limits on aircraft in urban areas,” explained David Norman, commercial director of the Duxford Aviation Society (DAS), during my visit. “Designed in Britain, though the engines are American, it was known as the ‘Whisper Jet’ and was able to meet the strict requirements imposed by London City Airport.”
But this particular 146 is more than just a fine example of British aviation engineering. Known as a CC2 Statesman, the four-engined airliner, ZE701 (c/n E1029), was part of The Queen’s Flight, carrying members of the Royal Family, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, plus various members of government and military officials around the world between 1986 and 2022.
Why the 146?