The 146 was designed for rough/ short strip operations. In addition to the given John Wayne Airport I think its the only jet that can operate out of Jersey (JSY) and until recently London City (LCY).
The RJX, which was the replacement 146 was cancelled by BAE systems as it was upa against the Dornier 728 and the old C-Series. With just 30 orders from Fly BE thay caned it, whoch seems a shame as the 728 bit the dust and the C-Series went offline for many years before it was reborn. Maybe a twin-engine RJX would fo sold better.
I think that BAE missed a mark here. Going off at a tangent a little, but............
How many mew build, long range. 4 engine MPA can you buy for an Airforce today? None. With all the cash that is being spent developing the Nimrod MR4, they are going to gain 0 export sales. Why, lack of airframes.
The RJX would of been easy to double-bubble and add sensors to. At low level on patrol two of the four engines could be idled.
Shame.
Steve