After teasing the release last week, Just Flight, in collaboration with Thranda Design, has released the legendary British Aerospace 146 Professional for X-Plane 12. Built from the ground up following hands-on research at the de Havilland Aircraft Museum and with Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, this package brings eight different passenger, mixed, and cargo variants, 44 high-definition liveries, and full VR compatibility to virtual flight decks.
The Whisperjet
The BAe 146 programme began in 1973 under Hawker Siddeley, with the first flight of the 146-100 occurring on the 3rd of September 1981. Introduced into service in May 1983, the four-engine, high-wing regional jet was designed for quiet operation and short-field performance, earning the nickname “Whisperjet” due to its low noise levels. Production ran until 2001, resulting in 394 aircraft across the BAe 146 and Avro RJ variants, making it the most successful British civil jet airliner.
Variants and Flight Dynamics
To recreate the 146 at a high-fidelity level, the development team conducted extensive studies of retired aircraft such as G-JEAO and the RAF’s VIP and cargo variants (CC.Mk2 and C.Mk3). The add-on includes all eight main variants—the 146-100, -200 and -300 passenger models, the mixed-use QC (Quick Change) variant, the QT (Quiet Trader) cargo model, and the two RAF variants. Each variant features custom flight dynamics, weight-and-balance data and thrust profiles based on real-world performance.
Visuals and Animations
The 146 Professional features 4K Physical Based Rendering (PBR) textures that reproduce realistic metallic, glass and plastic surfaces. Its animated control surfaces feature servo-tab ailerons, full-span flaps and the unmistakable tail-mounted airbrake. Ground operations are equally immersive, with deployable stairs and cargo doors that also feature a speed-sensitive auto-close system. To top it off, more than 40 authentic liveries represent the global appeal of the BAe 146, from British Airways and QantasLink to Air Canada Jazz and cargo operators like TNT Airways.
Inside the Cockpit
While flight sim pilots appreciate and admire realistic exteriors, it’s the systems and instruments inside the cockpit that truly elevate the experience and immersion. According to Just Flight, the add-on features an extensive range of custom-coded systems. The hydraulic, electrical, fuel and pressurisation subsystems have been modelled to real-world systems and feature manual override and comprehensive fault-testing capabilities. Navigation equipment includes a custom version of UFMC providing VNAV guidance, the default X-Plane FMC and compatibility with Reality XP’s GTN750.
According to Just Flight, the fully interactive 3D cockpit offers over 200 buttons and more than 100 switches and knobs, with easy-to-use clickspots and accurate sounds. The developer also notes that custom crank handles and an integrated EFB tablet (compatible with AviTab) have been included. Both cold-and-dark and engines-running procedures can be carried out. High-dynamic-range lighting has been applied to floodlights, backlit panels and exterior logo lamps, while optional “hide yokes” and multiple camera presets have been provided to allow unobstructed views when required.
The BAe 146 Professional for X-Plane 12 is available now from the Just Flight Store for 34,95€. Owners of the X-Plane 11 version are eligible for a 40% upgrade discount. For previous Just Flight releases, read here on FSNews.
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