Jetstream 31

The British Aerospace Jetstream 31 is a twin-turboprop pressurised regional airliner developed in the United Kingdom from the Handley Page Jetstream. Certificated in 1982, it was built primarily as an 18/19-seat commuter airliner and executive transport, and is known for its wide use by US regional carriers operating as feeders for major airlines during the 1980s and 1990s.

Development

Scottish Aviation took over production of the original Handley Page Jetstream, and following its absorption into British Aerospace in 1978, the company began work on a "Mark 3" derivative. As with the earlier 3M version supplied to the USAF, the aircraft was re-engined with Garrett (later Honeywell) TPE331 turboprops, flat rated to 1,020 shp (760 kW) with a thermodynamic limit of 1,100 shp (820 kW), giving more power and longer overhaul intervals than the original Turbomeca Astazou. The change permitted an 18-seat layout in six rows of 2+1 with an offset aisle, and a water-methanol option allowing maximum-load operation from a wider range of airfields, particularly in the continental United States and Australia. The Jetstream 31 first flew on 28 March 1980 and was certificated in the UK on 29 June 1982. A further engine upgrade planned in 1985 flew in 1988 as the Jetstream Super 31, also designated Jetstream 32. Production ran until 1993, with 386 Jetstream 31/32 airframes completed. Four aircraft were ordered by the Royal Navy in 1985 as Jetstream T.3 radar observer trainers, later reassigned to VIP transport. In 1993 British Aerospace applied the Jetstream name to all its twin turboprops, covering the stretched Jetstream 41 and the co-branded BAe ATP/Jetstream 61; the proposed Jetstream 51 and Jetstream 71 were not built.

Design

The Jetstream 31 is a low-wing monoplane with a pressurised fuselage, carrying two crew and up to 19 passengers. The wing spans 52 ft 0 in (15.85 m) with an area of 271 sq ft (25.2 m²), using NACA 63A418 root and 63A412 tip sections. Power comes from two Garrett TPE331-10UG turboprops of 940 shp (700 kW) each driving four-bladed constant-speed propellers. Empty weight is 9,613 lb (4,360 kg) and maximum takeoff weight 15,332 lb (6,954 kg). Maximum speed is 263 kn (487 km/h), cruise 230 kn (430 km/h), range 680 nmi (1,260 km) and service ceiling 25,000 ft (7,600 m).

Operational History

The type was used widely by US regional operators, including Continental Express, United Express, USAir Express, Northwest Airlink and Flagship Airlines, and accumulated a substantial accident record, with fatal crashes including Northwest Airlink Flight 5719 (1993, 18 killed), Flagship Airlines Flight 3379 (1994, 15 killed), Aerocaribe Flight 7831 (2000, 19 killed) and Corporate Airlines Flight 5966 (2004, 13 killed). In July 2019, 70 Jetstream 31s remained in airline service: 49 in the Americas, 15 in Europe, 5 in Asia-Pacific and 1 in Africa. Operators with five or more aircraft included Northwestern Air, Pascan Aviation, SARPA, AIS Airlines, Transmandu and FlyPelican.

Variants

• Jetstream 31 Airliner: 18/19-passenger commuter airliner.
• Jetstream 31 Corporate: 12-passenger executive transport.
• Jetstream 31EZ: EEZ or maritime patrol version.
• Jetstream 31 Special: Utility transport aircraft.
• Jetstream 32EP: Enhanced-performance 19-passenger version.