DHC-8 Dash 8 / Q Series

Building on the market approval of the pioneering Noise and Vibration Suppression (NVS) system since it was introduced in 1996, Bombardier Regional Aircraft renamed its Dash 8® family the Bombardier Q Series*, the 37- to 39-seat Bombardier Q200*, 50- to 56-seat Bombardier Q300* and 68- to 78-seat Bombardier Q400*. Q means Quiet. NVS, developed jointly by Bombardier and Ultra Electronics of the U.K., delivers the quietest and most vibration-free passenger cabin of any propeller-driven aircraft.

In fact, independent passenger surveys revealed that more than 90 per cent of passengers found Q Series aircraft to be significantly more comfortable than other turboprops and just as comfortable as many jets. The most dramatic improvements were noted by passengers seated adjacent to the propellers. This passenger response has prompted some airlines to accelerate their fleet renewal programs to replace older turboprops including Dash 8 aircraft with new Q models.

Officially launched in 1980 when regional airlines were beginning to modernize, the de Havilland Dash 8 combined advanced technology, superior design features and fuel-efficient and more reliable turbine engines to provide the ruggedness and performance required in the high-frequency, short-haul regional airline environment. The original Dash 8 has grown into a true family of 37- to 78-seat aircraft with comfortable two-plus-two seating that offers regional airlines a model that will profitably fit any mission. Such is the flexibility of the Dash 8 that it has been adapted for a wide variety of non-airline roles such as cargo, medical evacuation, corporate transport, airways and navigation aid calibration, navigator training and maritime patrol, to name but a few.

Bombardier Q100

Launched in 1980 and first flown on June 20, 1983, the Q100 entered service with norOntair (Ed: spelling is correct) between Sudbury and North Bay, Ontario in December 1984. The Q100 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW121 engines of 2,150 shaft horsepower (shp) which provide a cruise speed of 268 knots (496 km/h) and maximum range of 1,103 nm (2,043 km). The aircraft is 73 feet (22.3 m) long with a wingspan of 85 feet (25.9 m) and has a maximum take-off weight of 36,300 pounds (16,465 kg).

Bombardier Q200

This variant was launched in March 1992. It has the same dimensions and seating capacity as the Q100 but has the PW123 engines of the Q300 to provide spectacular airfield performance, increased payload-range capability and maximum commonality with the Q300. For airlines operating under extreme climactic conditions, the Q200 offers superb high altitude/high temperature performance. The Q200 has a maximum take-off weight of 36,300 pounds (16 466 kg), a maximum range with 37 passengers of 1,125 nm (2,084 km) and a cruise speed of 289 knots (535 km/h).

BPX Colombia took delivery of the first Q200 on April 19, 1995, shortly after certification. The Q100/Q200 standard interior configuration consists of four-abreast seating with a 31-inch (78.7 cm) seat pitch separated by a centre aisle. The 30-foot, 1-inch (9.16m) cabin features an eight-foot, three-inch (2.52m) cross section and a height of six feet, five inches (1.95m). A galley and lavatory are located in the forward cabin, while a 300 cubic foot (8.5 cubic metre) baggage compartment is situated in the rear.

All Q100 and Q200 feature a moveable rear bulkhead which provides for a convertible passenger/cargo (combi) interior. Al ternate cabin layouts include: 29 passenger seats and 534 cubic feet cargo capacity, and 21 passenger seats and 775 cubic feet cargo capacity.

Bombardier Q300

The 50- to 56-seat Q300 was launched in March 1986 to meet the requirement for increased seating capacity on regional airline routes developed by the Q100. The Q300 features a fuselage stretched by 11 feet (3.4 m) over the Q100 coupled with more powerful engines, the PW123 of 2,500 shp. Certificated in February 1989, the 50-seat version immediately entered service in western Canada with Time Air. With a length of 84 feet, three inches (25.7 m) and a wingspan of 90 feet (27.4 m), the Q300 has a standard maximum take-off weight of 41,100 pounds (18,643 kg). Intermediate Weight (41,880 pounds or 18,997 kg) versions and High Gross Weight (43,000 pounds or 19,500 kg) versions are also available. The Q300 has a cruise speed of 287 knots (532 km/h) and maximum range with 50 passengers is 997 nm (1,846 km). The Q300 is available with three versions of the PW123 engine - each providing exceptional airfield performance in carying operating conditions.v Cabin dimensions for the Q300 are identical to that of the Q100/Q200 models except for the 41-foot, six-inch (12.60 m) cabin length which provides a 32-inch (81.3 cm) seat pitch. A lavatory is located in the forward cabin while a galley and 320 cubic foot (9.1 cubic metre) baggage compartment are located in the rear.

Q400

Bombardier Aerospace launched the Q400, a 360-knot (667 km/h) airliner in June 1995. While it was designed to meet the requirements for high-density, short-haul services, the speed and 1,360-nm (2,519 km) range of the Q400 offer additional productivity, and thus revenue-generating capability, by extending an airline's reach to new markets beyond current turboprop distances, increasing the frequency and capacity of the service on existing routes.

Powered by new-generation PW150A engines of 5,071 shp, the Q400 has a fuselage stretch of 23 feet, five inches (7.14 m) over the Q300 for an overall length of 107 feet, nine inches (32.8 m). The wingspan is 93 feet, three inches (28.42 m) and maximum take-off weights range from 61,700 pounds (27 987 kg) for the basic airplane, to 63,930 pounds (28 998 kg) for the intermediate weight version and 64,500 pounds (29 257 kg) for the high gross weight version.

The Q400 flew for the first time January 31, 1998 and received Transport Canada certification in June 1999, European JAA approval in December and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification in January 2000. The Q400 entered airline service with SAS Commuter of Scandinavia on February 7, 2000.