CRJ-200 Freighter!

[Maximilian_Jenius]

CRJ200s see new life with cargo configuration

Bombardier launched a new CRJ200PF (package freighter) conversion program that could extend the life of the 50-seaters as their appeal dims in favor of larger RJs. Sweden's West Air Europe is the launch customer and will acquire two previously owned CRJ200s for conversion to an all-cargo configuration. It now operates scheduled and charter package service with a fleet of 17 turboprops. "The CRJ200PF allows direct flights on longer, thin routes that are currently flown by larger aircraft," said Bombardier Regional Aircraft VP-Asset Management Rod Sheridan. "Since the introduction of the concept, considerable interest has been expressed by many prospective customers." In cargo configuration, the plane will have an estimated volume of 1,700 cu. ft. and 14,000 lb. Maximum takeoff weight will be about the same as the high-gross weight-version of the CRJ200 at 53,000 lb.

 

[jtrain609]

Old news. The thing isn't nearly fuel efficient enough to do what we need.

 

[Goonie]

Old news. The thing isn't nearly fuel efficient enough to do what we need.

b..b..but, they have companies hauling a 10lb box of screws to Mexico City in a Lear jet!

 

[jtrain609]

True, and we've got a Chieftain going to Vegas every day with 80 lbs. of crap. The deal with those kinds of gigs is that the company will usually charter the entire aircraft out and put whatever they want on it, be it 10 lbs. or 10,000 lbs.

They pay for the whole thing and can do whatever they want with it.

 

[Maximilian_Jenius]

Old news. The thing isn't nearly fuel efficient enough to do what we need.

I know, but I just thought I'd post it to inform everyone that finally cargo planes will have an FMS, weather radar and TCAS!

:laff:

 

[jtrain609]

Crap man, all of our turbine aircraft have weather radar!

 

[wheelsup]

You missed the best part of the article. Elsewhere it stated that Bombardier sees "strong demand" for their freighter to the tune of 25-50 units over a FIVE YEAR PERIOD. (yes I'm being sarcastic, that's horrible)

The problem with the CRJ (currently) is it's relatively high hull value. It's my understanding it was originally designed as a freight aircraft (windows were an after thought in it). Once it drops to DA20/DC-9 levels then you'll see more of 'em IMO.

 

[Maximilian_Jenius]

Crap man, all of our turbine aircraft have weather radar!

You know me, just trying (unsucessfully) to get you all riled up!

 

[jtrain609]

Not here, and not in our business model. They're even worse for bank runs.

 

[amorris311]

john stop lying you know you want to be rocking the crj at amflight.

 

[OldTownPilot]

dOOd, I can fly Jetz!!!!111!1 With Boxes. The best of both worlds!!!

 

[amorris311]

so you talked to john as well i can see. :laff:

 

[Jason]

It's my understanding it was originally designed as a freight aircraft (windows were an after thought in it).

True, the Challenger 600 was designed as a freighter...that's why the first 24 Challengers had upward opening doors. Fedex had a contract for them and was heavily involved in the design and outfitting - that's one reason the 600 has those goofy ass Lycoming engines. There was a regime change at Fedex and the new boss cancelled the orders.

The 600 was designed as a freighter, then they made a corporate airplane out of it. The 600 became the 601 which new engines and avionics and became an even better corporate airplane. The 601 became the 604 with (you guessed it) better engines and avionics and a few other things to make it an even better corporate jet. In the beginning of the race to make RJ's Bombardier elected to take the cheap (and quick) route and simply extended the 604 fuselage and wings - the 604 became the CRJ. Now, the CRJ is becoming a freighter and the circle of life is complete!!

Jason

 

[BobDDuck]

The problem with the CRJ (currently) is it's relatively high hull value. It's my understanding it was originally designed as a freight aircraft (windows were an after thought in it). Once it drops to DA20/DC-9 levels then you'll see more of 'em IMO.

I don't think it has a very high hull value. The problem is the value is so low that the leasing angencies don't want them back. Rumor has it that when Republic went looking for ERJs to fly the CAL stuff the best deal they could swing was about 70,000 a month. The old IndyAir CRJs are costing 9,000 a month. Granted with all the MX problems they are having with them it might have been cheaper to go with ERJs anyways.

 

[Maximilian_Jenius]

True, the Challenger 600 was designed as a freighter...that's why the first 24 Challengers had upward opening doors. Fedex had a contract for them and was heavily involved in the design and outfitting - that's one reason the 600 has those goofy ass Lycoming engines. There was a regime change at Fedex and the new boss cancelled the orders.

The 600 was designed as a freighter, then they made a corporate airplane out of it. The 600 became the 601 which new engines and avionics and became an even better corporate airplane. The 601 became the 604 with (you guessed it) better engines and avionics and a few other things to make it an even better corporate jet. In the beginning of the race to make RJ's Bombardier elected to take the cheap (and quick) route and simply extended the 604 fuselage and wings - the 604 became the CRJ. Now, the CRJ is becoming a freighter and the circle of life is complete!!

Jason

What's funny is that we do the R&O work on those old Lycoming engines, as well as the new HTF7000 engines for the new Challenger 300! Were making a new engine called the HTF1000 (10,000) not sure what plaen it is intended for!

 

[spbrian]

Crap man, all of our turbine aircraft have weather radar!

That ain't weather radar, it's an FO ammusement toy for when you have the pleasure of having one you don't like. "Hey, can you see if you can spot the cell's out ahead for me?"

It took over a month of replacing components to get the radar in my plane to point level 2 cells right before you hit them.

XM uplinked weather, now that is the shiznit and the stuff to get. Corporate guys have it made!

 

[jtrain609]

I flew a 99 with a storm scope in it the other day and wondered which was more worthless, not that it really matters much flying out of Burbank.

 

[mikecweb]

Most of our props have radar.
I'm lucky enough to fly a Baron now that has stormscope and radar.
My opinion on the matter is if I can stay at max speed going around the cell vs. slowing to maneuvering speed to go through one I'm going to go around. I think alot of guys think radar is pointless because they don't know how to use it. On board radar isn't like looking at the weather channel or radar online it takes a little technique to see whats out there. If I don't have on board radar I choose the path that has the least amount of lightning and hang on.

Edit: Definetly not directly accusing anyone on here of not knowing how to use radar. Just talking to fellow pilots going through the same weather and they'll say there weren't any holes or everything was level 5 around here when it was actually not the case. Just people not taking the time to learn how to use radar.

 

[Jason]

What's funny is that we do the R&O work on those old Lycoming engines, as well as the new HTF7000 engines for the new Challenger 300! Were making a new engine called the HTF1000 (10,000) not sure what plaen it is intended for!

That's a good business to be in....those Lycomings were/are pieces of sheet.... 3 real life engine problems in my career - all 3 occurred in the 18 months I sat in front of the ALF's.

Jason

 

[wheelsup]

I don't think it has a very high hull value. The problem is the value is so low that the leasing angencies don't want them back. Rumor has it that when Republic went looking for ERJs to fly the CAL stuff the best deal they could swing was about 70,000 a month. The old IndyAir CRJs are costing 9,000 a month. Granted with all the MX problems they are having with them it might have been cheaper to go with ERJs anyways.

I'm not saying it has a higher value than a comparable ERJ, but certainly more than a 20-40 year old DA-20 or DC-9. I bet the avionics alone would be worth more than an old DA-20 freighter.