I read that Cranfield is getting a new SAAB 340 to be used as a flying testbed. It is replacing the current Jetstream 31. The plane is used for test work but it is also used as a flying classroom for aeronautical engineering students. The Jetstream 31 was an old BAE Systems airframe (one I was involved with in my days at Warton) and it replaced a Jetstream 200. That old Astazou powered airframe was in use in the late 80s when I went through the course. Here are shots of that old plane when we were using it as well as the current one when it showed up at RIAT.
Thanks for the old Jetstream photos. I did the summer flight test course in either 76 or 77 from the University of Manchester, but was also a PhD student at Cranfield from 79-82, so saw a lot of them. Also been in the PNW for the last 35 years, so there’s a coincidence (although the aviation world is a small one…)
Glad to provide a reminder of some old student days!