British Aerospace ATP

1984 Flight Test Campaign

A behind-the-scenes look at how the ATP's prototype fleet validated systems, structures, and cabin comfort.

The ATP’s flight test programme accelerated through 1984 with three prototypes rotating between Woodford and Prestwick. Key highlights included:

ATP prototype during climb tests
Test ABCD
  1. Performance mapping – The second prototype carried a full suite of pressure taps across the new high-aspect wing. Engineers tuned the six-blade Dowty propellers to reduce cabin noise during climb while meeting the Stage 3 limit with margin to spare.
  2. Systems certification – Environmental control refinements were trialled in Arizona heat, while cold-weather endurance sorties out of Iqaluit proved reliable engine relights.
  3. Passenger evaluations – British Airways and Brymon crews joined BAe staff on familiarisation flights, providing feedback on cockpit workload and the new supercritical wing’s handling.

By the end of the year, the programme had logged more than 1,100 flight hours. The data paved the way for type certification targets in mid-1985 and de-risked the early production standard that launch customers would receive.