Bombardier
de Havilland Canada DHC-8-400
The de Havilland Canada DHC‑8‑400, marketed as the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, entered service in 1999 as the fourth and most advanced variant of the Dash‑8 family. Developed from the earlier DHC‑8‑300, the program combined de Havilland’s rugged regional‑aircraft heritage with Bombardier’s engineering resources after its 1992 acquisition of the program. First flown on 16 May 1998, the Q400 introduced a new high‑speed, 15‑cylinder Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A turboprop, which delivers 5 500 shp and enables a cruise speed of 360 kt (667 km/h)—the fastest turboprop in commercial service.
Key features include a 39‑seat cabin, five‑bladed composite propellers, and the “Q” (quiet) technology that incorporates advanced acoustic treatments and a vibration‑suppression system, markedly reducing cabin noise. A modern glass cockpit with dual Honeywell Primus 1000 displays and autopilot integration simplifies pilot workload, while wing‑tip extensions and a redesigned high‑lift system improve take‑off performance on short runways.
The Q400’s blend of jet‑like speed, fuel efficiency, and short‑field capability has made it a workhorse for regional carriers worldwide, sustaining connectivity on thin routes and reducing operating costs. Its success reinforced Bombardier’s reputation for innovative regional aircraft and demonstrated the enduring viability of turboprop technology in modern aviation.
Key features include a 39‑seat cabin, five‑bladed composite propellers, and the “Q” (quiet) technology that incorporates advanced acoustic treatments and a vibration‑suppression system, markedly reducing cabin noise. A modern glass cockpit with dual Honeywell Primus 1000 displays and autopilot integration simplifies pilot workload, while wing‑tip extensions and a redesigned high‑lift system improve take‑off performance on short runways.
The Q400’s blend of jet‑like speed, fuel efficiency, and short‑field capability has made it a workhorse for regional carriers worldwide, sustaining connectivity on thin routes and reducing operating costs. Its success reinforced Bombardier’s reputation for innovative regional aircraft and demonstrated the enduring viability of turboprop technology in modern aviation.
Classification
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 7620 metre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 587
- First Flight
- 1998
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Bombardier
- Developer
- Bombardier
- Operator
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- Wikidata ID
- Q2909633