Bombardier Dash Q400 Aircraft Features and Benefits

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Plane Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 of Latvian airBaltic Airlines Refueling at the Airport
Credit: pexels.com, Plane Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 of Latvian airBaltic Airlines Refueling at the Airport

The Bombardier Dash Q400 is a reliable and efficient turboprop aircraft. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 18,000 kg.

One of its key features is its advanced avionics system, which includes a flight management system and a weather radar. This system provides pilots with real-time weather information and navigation assistance.

The Dash Q400 has a maximum cruise speed of 460 km/h and a range of 2,000 km. It's perfect for short-haul flights.

Its Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines deliver exceptional power and efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Design and Features

The Bombardier Dash Q400 is a reliable and efficient plane, perfect for navigating extreme weather conditions. Its design has proven itself to be incredibly effective in areas like Alaska.

One key feature of the Q400 is its powerful engine, boasting 5071 shp, which is two times the horsepower of a typical turboprop. This makes it an incredibly advanced engine.

The six-blade propellers, made by Dowty, provide a lot of thrust with very little noise, especially when compared with other similar models. They are some of the quietest and most powerful propellers on the market today.

Design

Airliner in Blue Sky
Credit: pexels.com, Airliner in Blue Sky

The Q400's design is a testament to its ability to thrive in extreme environments. This aircraft is designed to handle incredibly cold temperatures.

One of its key features is its powerful engine, which boasts two times the horsepower of a typical turboprop, delivering an impressive 5071 shp. This engine is incredibly advanced.

The Q400's six-blade propellers, made by Dowty, provide a lot of thrust with very little noise. They're some of the quietest and most powerful propellers on the market today.

Design

The Q400's design is a marvel of modern engineering, with a powerful engine that boasts two times the horsepower of a typical turboprop, producing an impressive 5,071 shp.

This aircraft is designed to handle incredibly cold temperatures, making it a common sight in Alaska and other extreme areas of the world. It has proven itself to be a reliable and efficient plane since its maiden flight in 2000.

The Q400 features six-blade propellers made by Dowty, which provide a lot of thrust with very little noise, especially when compared with other similar models. These propellers are some of the quietest and most powerful on the market today.

Each of the two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines is rated at 4,850 shp (3,620 kW), allowing the aircraft to cruise at 360 knots (667 km/h).

Why the Label?

Person Standing Inside Airliner
Credit: pexels.com, Person Standing Inside Airliner

The Q400 label might seem unusual at first, but it's actually a deliberate choice made by Bombardier as a marketing exercise. This label helps to distinguish the Dash 8-400 from other regional jets.

The reason for this label is that turboprops like the Q400 are often perceived as being louder than regional jets. To combat this, Bombardier added sound-proofing equipment like the Active Noise and Vibration System (ANVS).

The ANVS works by analyzing the airframe noise and then playing it back to cancel out the waves of aircraft noise, making for a smoother ride. This is a clever solution to a common problem.

The Q400's noise emission approvals are a big deal, as they meet U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Stage 5 standards and are certified by EASA as having met ICAO Chapter 14 standards. This means that the Q400 is one of the quietest turboprops out there.

NextGen Variant

The Q400 NextGen variant was announced in March 2008 with improved cabin environment features.

Credit: youtube.com, Variants

One of the key upgrades is the use of LED lighting, which provides a more modern and energy-efficient solution.

The Q400 NextGen also features new ceiling panels and dished window sidewalls, creating a more spacious and comfortable cabin.

In 2012, the Q400 NextGen made its public debut at the FIDAE Air Show in Santiago, Chile.

Recent orders for the Q400 NextGen include 20 aircraft from Eurolot in March 2012, as well as other notable airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and Air Kazakhstan.

Consider reading: Ori Air Dash

Flight Deck and Systems

The De Havilland Canada dual control cockpit is a testament to efficient design, accommodating both the pilot and co-pilot.

The electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS) is a highlight of the Q400's flight deck, featuring five high-resolution, 6in x 8in liquid crystal displays.

A holographic guidance system from Flight Dynamics can be fitted to the flight deck for added navigation assistance.

The aircraft's avionics system was developed by Thales Avionics, formerly known as Sextant Avionique.

Credit: youtube.com, How an Airliner Cockpit Works

The communications suite includes a dual VHF navigation and communications system, as well as a mode S transponder.

An emergency locator transponder and a solid-state cockpit voice recorder are also standard equipment in the cockpit.

The Q400 is equipped with advanced navigation tools, including a weather radar and a ground proximity warning receiver.

A radar altimeter, an automatic direction finder, and distance measuring equipment are also onboard.

The aircraft has provision for a flight management system, a global positioning system, and a traffic alert and collision avoidance system, TCAS II.

Additional reading: Dash Cam Radar

Performance and Efficiency

The Bombardier Dash Q400 is a highly efficient aircraft, capable of reaching a maximum operating altitude of 7600 m, and a slightly higher altitude of 8200 m with the drop-down oxygen masks version. This allows it to quickly reach cruising altitude, making it ideal for shorter flights.

Its turboprop engines, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW150A, deliver 5,071hp or 3,800kW each, making them a reliable choice for this aircraft. The engines are also equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC).

Credit: youtube.com, What Makes the Q400 Amazing

The Q400's six-bladed reversible-pitch composite propellers, supplied by Dowty, are designed for optimal performance and efficiency. With a total fuel capacity of 6,526l, the aircraft can reach a maximum range of 2,519km carrying 74 passengers.

The Q400's cruising speed is just under 650km/h, making it a bit slower than some other aircraft, but it's designed for shorter flights and does what it's supposed to do quickly and easily.

Performance

The Q400 is capable of reaching a maximum operating altitude of 7600 meters, which it can quickly achieve thanks to its lower cruising speed. This allows it to efficiently complete shorter flights.

Its cruising speed is approximately 667 km/h, which is slower than some other aircraft, but still gets the job done. The aircraft's performance is designed for shorter flights, not long-haul journeys.

The Q400 has a maximum range of 2040 km, making it suitable for regional flights. This is a significant advantage for airlines looking to serve smaller markets.

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Credit: youtube.com, iQ-VIEW 4.0 with boosted Performance and Efficiency

The aircraft is powered by two turboprop engines, each producing 5071 horsepower. This impressive power output enables the Q400 to efficiently complete its flights.

The Q400's six-bladed propellers are designed for optimal performance, with a reversible-pitch composite design that provides excellent control. The propellers also feature an electrical de-icing system for safe operation in cold weather.

The total fuel capacity of the Q400 is 6526 liters, which provides a maximum range of 2519 km when carrying 74 passengers. This is a significant factor in the aircraft's overall performance and efficiency.

Average Operating Cost per Block Hour

The average operating cost per block hour is a crucial consideration for pilots and aircraft owners. It can vary significantly depending on the number of annual flight hours.

For instance, with just 100 annual flight hours, the average operating cost is around $7283. This is a substantial expense, especially for small aircraft owners.

As flight hours increase, the average operating cost drops dramatically. With 1000 annual flight hours, the average hourly cost is only around $3246.

For your interest: Cost of Dash

Credit: youtube.com, Reducing Operating Expenses Through Maintenance Optimization

This reduction in cost per block hour is a significant advantage for frequent flyers. It's a key factor to consider when planning your flight schedule and budget.

Here's a breakdown of the average operating cost per block hour at different annual flight hour intervals:

History and Development

The Bombardier Dash Q400 has a rich history that spans over two decades. It entered into service in 2000.

Its impressive delivery rate has been a key factor in its success, with 30 to 35 aircraft being delivered per year since its service entry. This has helped to meet demand and build a significant backlog.

The Q400 was sold to Longview/Viking in 2018, marking a new chapter in its development.

Development

The Q400 has an impressive noise suppression system that creates vibrations to cancel out propeller blade and engine vibrations, providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

This innovative system has been a key feature of the Q400 since its service entry in 2000.

A regional aircraft from flyAfrica.com flying against a blue sky with vibrant tail design.
Credit: pexels.com, A regional aircraft from flyAfrica.com flying against a blue sky with vibrant tail design.

The Q400 has been delivered at a rate of 30 to 35 aircraft per year, demonstrating its popularity and demand.

It's remarkable to think that the Q400 has maintained such a high delivery rate for nearly two decades.

In 2018, the Q400 was sold to Longview/Viking, a testament to its enduring value and appeal.

Retired from SAS

In October 2007, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announced its intention to retire its entire fleet of Dash 8-400s.

The decision was made after several landing gear failures, which led to a loss of confidence in the fleet. Bombardier called for Q400s with more than 10,000 flights at the time to be grounded until the landing gear could be certified as safe for flight, impacting around 60 of the 160 turboprops in service worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bombardier Q400 safe?

The Bombardier Q400 is a safe aircraft, built on a proven platform with over 1200 units produced and hundreds of thousands of incident-free flight hours logged. Its safety record is a testament to its reliable design and robust construction.

Is the Bombardier Q400 still in production?

No, the Bombardier Q400 is no longer in production, as its production was discontinued in 2022 due to decreased demand.

How many seats does a Dash 8 Q400 have?

The Dash 8 Q400 has a seating capacity of up to 90 passengers. It's one of the largest turboprops on the market, offering versatility and efficiency.

Is the Q400 a good plane?

The Q400 has a strong safety record and is well-suited for its capabilities, making it a reliable choice for many passengers. Its unique engine design, often misunderstood as a "prop plane", is actually a testament to its innovative technology.

Betty Cruz

Junior Writer

Betty Cruz is a passionate storyteller who loves to share her experiences with others. She has a knack for finding the beauty in everyday life and turning it into something magical through her writing. Betty's work is often focused on themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and mental health.

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