BAe 146 variant
BAe 146 BAe 146M
A military conversion programme launched in 2009 offering second-hand civilian 146-200s and -300s to air forces in passenger or freighter configuration.
History
BAE Systems announced the 146M programme in 2009 with a simple premise: find a second life for 146-200s and -300s retired by airlines by offering them to military operators. The package includes glass-cockpit avionics, additional fuel tanks, greater steep-approach and unpaved-runway capability and defensive aids, but no rear cargo door. The manufacturer presents it as suitable for airlift, medical evacuation, para-dropping, surveillance and inflight refuelling. In September 2013 BAE also offered to develop a tanker version, which the British Ministry of Defence turned down a month later.