One-Eleven 475

The BAC One‑Eleven 475 is a member of the British Aircraft Corporation’s short‑haul jet family, first flown in 1963 and entering service in 1965. Developed to satisfy airlines needing a compact, economical aircraft for regional routes, the One‑Eleven quickly became a workhorse across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The 475 variant, introduced in the early 1970s, featured a strengthened airframe, upgraded Rolls‑Royce Spey Mk 511 engines delivering 14,400 lbf thrust, and an extended rear fuselage that allowed a seven‑seat increase, bringing total passenger capacity to 119. Aerodynamic refinements such as a redesigned leading‑edge flap and a larger avionics suite improved climb performance and reliability, while the simple low‑wing layout facilitated easy maintenance on modest airfields. Over 250 One‑Elevens were produced, and the 475 model accounted for a substantial share of commercial orders, especially among carriers like British European Airways, Dan‑Air and Swissair. Its reputation for low operating cost, quick turnaround and robust design helped shape the business‑jet market and demonstrated the viability of short‑range jet transport, influencing later designs such as the BAe 146. Today, a few 475s remain airworthy, serving as living examples of 1960s British engineering excellence.