Here’s what’s different between Just Flight’s upcoming RJ Professional and the 146

When Just Flight announced the development of the Avro RJ Professional for MSFS earlier this month, the community quickly jumped to the conclusion that this would be a quick and easy task for the development team, as this aircraft appears to be quite similar to the BAe 146 that Just Flight had released a few months prior. To clear some of those misconceptions, Just Flight came out today with a few details about what exactly sets these two British airliners apart.

The first thing to keep in mind is that despite the very similar outside looks (with minor differences, such as slightly larger engines, different probe configurations, and newer liveries), the RJ is actually a significant upgrade compared to the 146. These differences are mostly seen in the flight deck, with many analog instruments giving way to more modern and digital alternatives.

Just Flight provides a series of preview images, still representative of a work-in-progress product, that clearly present the upgraded avionics that are present in the Avro RJ. The most noticeable change is the EFIS, which replaces the traditional ADI, HSI, and engine instruments. Simmers will still find conventional backup instruments, but they differ slightly from those found in the 146.

Another upgraded element in the RJ’s cockpit is the MCP, from which pilots can control the more capable autopilot system in this aircraft. Curiously, this MCP looks quite similar to the one found in the 737, so it will be pretty natural for pilots used to manage the autoflight features found in Boeing’s workhorse… or vice-versa! Autothrottle, LNAV, VNAV, and autoland capabilities will be within arm’s reach to future owners of the Just Flight RJ Professional.

As you can see, the cockpit experience in the RJ is a significant departure compared to the 146. This theme continues throughout the whole space, such as in the custom-coded FMS, the radio panels, or the overhead panel, which contains a fully automatic pressurisation system that, once again, is akin to the one found in the Boeing 737NG.

We’ve listed just a few of the most notable differences between the 146 and the RJ. If you’d like to know more, make sure to check Just Flight’s detailed rundown, which hopefully clears some doubts about whether the RJ may or not be a good purchase for those who have bought the 146. There will be a discount for those who already have the 146, so owning the full collection may end up being more accessible than you thought!