Why Cranfield University bought a Saab 340 - and what they do with it

Cranfield University has reluctantly retired its BAe Jetstream 31 in favour of a Saab 340. Airliner World’s Martin Needham spoke to Cranfield’s Joe Brown, to learn more about the switch and how turboprops prepare students for careers as flight test engineers

Cranfield Saab 340
Cranfield University’s new Saab arrived at its Bedfordshire base on July 9, 2021 – little more than a month after the Jetstream 31 bowed out with a final public appearance at an Old Warden air display
MARTIN NEEDHAM

As Roger ‘Dodge’ Bailey climbed away from Old Warden Airfield in Jetstream 31 G-NFLA (c/n 637), at the Shuttleworth Collection’s Festival of Flying Airshow on June 6, 2021, an association between Cranfield University and the Handley Page-designed type drew to a close after more than five decades.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below