BAE SYSTEMS has confirmed that it is supporting two separate freighter conversion programmes for the BAe 146 regional jetliner and its variants, of which nearly 400 were built. BAE SYSTEMS anticipates a strong demand for a 10-12-tonne freighter over the coming years, the 146 fully capable of meeting projected Stage 4 noise limits. In the mid eighties 1980s Pemco World Air Services of Dothan, Alabama, designed a large upward-opening freight door 131 inches wide by 76 inches high fitted on the port side behind the wings. This door installation together with the roller floor and associated cargo handling equipment was built into around 30 BAe 146QT (Quiet Trader) freighters that were converted as new-build aircraft. All of these aircraft remain in service, the biggest operator being TNT Express. Pemco is currently assessing the economics of the BAe 146QT conversion market and an announcement is expected soon. Separately, Hireplane Cargo Conversions Ltd has teamed with Cranfield Aerospace Ltd for an entirely new conversion. Current plans call for the aircraft to be available in January 2004. The Cranfield door measures 96 inches by 76 inches and is located in the single curvature section of the forward upper right hand fuselage. http://www.baesystems.com