Envoy IV for RAF's 32 Squadron

On 8 February 2022, Scramble Magazine reported on the purchase of two Falcon 900LX as a replacement for the BAe146 that were withdrawn from use earlier this year. It is now known that the aircraft will be named Envoy IV and will be based at RAF Northolt with 32 (The Royal) Squadron.

According to the Royal Air Force (RAF) the aircraft name reflects the role of the aircraft in defence diplomacy and relationship building. The original Envoy aircraft in RAF service was known as the Envoy III. It was a twin-engine light transport aircraft, used by the RAF before and during World War 2 in the communications role; one of which served with the ‘King’ s Flight’ – a precursor to today’s 32 (The Royal) Squadron.

The Falcon 900LX is the same model as the current production variant of the Falcon 900EX fitted with blended winglets and has a range of 8,800 km.

Both aircraft will be under contract with Centreline AV Ltd. For the first two years and will be operated by mixed crews of RAF and Centreline staff, before upgrading to a full military and operational capability in 2024.

The two aircraft involved are G-ZAHS (msn 326) and G-.... (msn 327, registered F-WWVF in December 2021). It is not known if and when the Envoy IVs will receive serials. Most probably after upgrading to a full military standard.

Photo by Royal Air Force