BAC 111

1965’81

Plane & Pilot

Friday, May 01, 2009 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

The BAC 111 is a twin-engine airliner built by the British Aircraft Corp. for short- and medium-range operations, first certified for U.S. use in April 1964 and ordered by airlines like Mohawk, Braniff, and American.
The aircraft evolved through several series (200-500), with each iteration introducing improvements such as larger engines, greater fuel capacity, stronger landing gear, specialized tires for low-strength runways, and a stretched fuselage in the Series 500 capable of carrying up to 119 passengers.
Beyond standard passenger models, executive and freighter versions of the BAC 111 were also available, including modified interiors for executive use by companies like National Aircraft Leasing.

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The BAC 111, built by the British Aircraft Corp., was designed for both short- and medium-range operation. This twin-engine airliner was first certified for United States operation in April 1964, and orders were placed by Mohawk, Braniff, and American Airlines. The first production model, the Series 200, flew for the first time in December 1963 and was powered by the smaller Rolls-Royce 10,330-lb. s.t. engines. The 300 Series were fitted with larger engines, greater fuel capacity, and a stronger landing gear. The 400 Series came equipped with a fuel dump system and was the first model certified for United States operation. The 475 series is fitted with low-pressure tires to permit operation on lowstrength runways with surfaces of poorer grade. The final series, the 500, is a stretched version that can carry up to 119 passengers. Executive and freighter versions of the BAC 111 are also available. National Aircraft Leasing Ltd. offers a modified version for executive use; it features a redesigned interior.