The RJ85 is the 146-200 brought up to date: the same airframe with more reliable and efficient FADEC-equipped AlliedSignal LF 507 engines, redesigned nacelles, a Spaceliner cabin and an EFIS flight deck in place of the analogue instruments. It flew on 23 March 1992, ahead of every other RJ, and Crossair took delivery of the first aircraft on 23 April 1993. With 87 built it is the most numerous member of the Avro family and the one with the widest European operator base. Weight and drag savings were introduced in 1996. Outside airline work it is now a common aerial-firefighting platform in North America, converted by Conair and Aero-Flite.