Commonly known as the Dash 8, this series of turboprops is manufactured by De Havilland Canada (DHC). These aircraft were first introduced in 1984 before being brought by Boeing in 1986 and Bombardier in 1992. Fast-forward to 2019, and Longview Aviation Canada purchased the manufacturer and renamed it back to the De Havilland Canada brand.

Dash 7 to Dash 8

The Dash 8 is derived from the Dash 7 family of aircraft. However, the newer model sported several improvements, including cruise performance and lower operational costs. The Dash 8 is offered in four sizes, which include:

• Series 100
• Series 200
• Series 300
• Series 400

All have been produced over different periods and varying capacities, as below:

During the 1970s, de Havilland pushed hard into its Dash 7 project and concentrated predominantly on STOL performance. The variant was best suited for smaller markets and inner-city airports. Only a few airlines purchased the Dash 7 due to the operational costs, as it had four engines. Due to a drop in performance, de Havilland looked to roll out the Dash 8, which would see two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 engines on the new variant.

Utilized still by regional airliners today, the Dash 8 had a large T-tail and a very high aspect ratio wing. The Dash 8 has better cruise performance than the Dash 7 and is much less expensive to maintain or operate because it only has two engines. While the Dash 8 is noisier and does not have the same STOL performance, it can operate from runways of 3,000 feet (910 meters) compared to its brother's 2,200 feet (670 meters).

Regional jet competition has made De Havilland up its game. While jet aircraft are historically more expensive than turboprops, the introduction of jet services has allowed airlines to introduce these aircraft on routes unsuitable for turboprops. As a quick comparison, turboprops have lower fuel consumption and can operate from shorter runways but incur higher maintenance costs and shorter ranges.

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Four series of the Dash 8

Throughout the history of Dash 8, four series have been delivered, which we will break down today.

4 Series 100

Ten variants

The Series 100 is the original version of the Dash 8. Entering service in 1984, the variant utilized the Pratt & Whitney PW120 engine and rated engine power at 1,340 kW. A breakdown of the types below:

• DHC-8-101
  • Introduced in 1984, powered by two PW120s, or PW120A. With 33,000 pounds, or 15,000 kilograms of takeoff weight
• DHC-8-102
  • Introduced in 1986, powered by the same engines as above, but had a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 pounds, or 15,650 kilograms

• DHC-8-103
  • Introduced in 1987, it was powered by two PW121A and had a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 pounds, or 15,650 kilograms. This type could be modified for a heavier takeoff weight (35,200 pounds / 15,950 kilograms if required).
• DHC-8-102A
  • The 1990 variant had a revised Heath Tecna interior
• DHC-8-106
  • Developed in 1992, two PW121 engines powered it, and it could take off fully loaded up to 36,300 pounds / 16,450 kilograms.
• DHC-8-100PF
  • Converted by Voyager Aviation to a freighter. The aircraft was derived from the DHC-8-100 and could hold 10,000 lbs / 4,536 kilograms of cargo capacity.
• DHC-8M-100
  • Used for maritime pollution surveillance. Transport Canada utilized these aircraft and was equipped with MSS 6000 surveillance tools.

• CC-142
  • Utilized for the Canadian Armed Forces in Europe as military transport
• CT-142
  • The Canadian Armed Forces used this navigation training for the allied nations ACSO and AESOP.
• E-9A Widget
  • Developed for the United States Air Force, these aircraft were deployed over the Gulf of Mexico. The E-9A Widget has an AN/APS-143(V)-1 radar, which can detect small objects in the water. These aircraft are stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.

According to ch-Aviation, Air Creebec, ALS (United Nations), Perimeter Aviation, and Skytrans are the major operators of the Series 100 aircraft.

3 Series 200

Three variants

When designed, the Series 200 retained the same 37-39 passenger capacity but improved performance by utilizing the Pratt & Whitney PW123 engines. These could produce up to 1,600kW of power. Three types were produced, which included:

• DHC-8-201
  • Developed in 1995, the DHC-8-201 was the first Series 200 with the PW123 engine.
• DHC-8-202
  • Effectively the same as the above, but powered with the PW123D engine

• Q200
  • The Q Series was introduced in 2000 with an Active Noise and Vibration Suppression system. Its average unit cost was around $12 million.

According to ch-Aviation, Air Greenland, Airworks Kenya, Air Niugini, Berry Aviation, and Surveillance Australia are all primary operations of the Series 200 family of aircraft.

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2 Series 300

Nine variants

With a stretched airframe, the Series 300 was 11.3 feet ( 3.43 meters) longer than its predecessor. Continuing to use the PW123 engine, the aircraft could maintain around 80,000 total flight cycles. A program was launched In 2017, where the Dash 8-300 could have an extended service life of 50%, increasing the overall use of up to 120,000 total flights.

• DHC-8-301
  • The original Series 300 variant, introduced in 1989 with two PW123 engines
• DHC-8-311
  • Revised with a Heath Tecna interior, this variant also had a slightly swept-back design that would help prevent a tail strike.

• DHC-8-314
  • Introduced in 1992, the DHC-8-314 was fitted with PW123B engines
• DHC-8-315
  • Introduced in 1995, the DHC-8-315 was fitted with PW123E engines
• DHC-8-300A
  • This version of the DHC-8-300 was designed with an increased payload, enabling more cargo and overall weight onboard.
• Q300
  • Part of the Q Series (quiet) was fitted with an Active Noise and Vibration Suppression system (ANVS).

• DHC-8-300 MSA
  • Upgraded for maritime surveillance.
• RO-6A
  • It was designed for the United States Army as a reconnaissance aircraft. It was derived from the DHC-8-315.
• C-147A
  • It was designed for the United States Army from the DHC-8-315 but had a jump platform. This aircraft cost $14.3 million to purchase in 2000.

According to ch-Aviation, Air Inuit, Air New Zealand, Central Mountain Air, Eastern Australian Airlines, Perimeter Aviation, and PAS are the major operators of the Series 300 family of aircraft.

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1 Series 400

Nine variants

With an even longer airframe than the Series 300, the Series 400 has been stretched to 22.4 feet longer (6.83 meters) than its predecessor. Due to the larger wing section, the Q400 has a wider wing span and can accommodate around 68 to 90 passengers.

The series 400 utilizes the P&W PW150A engines, ensuring the aircraft can maintain a cruise speed of 360 knots (667 kilometers per hour). The maximum altitude is around 35,000 feet (7,600 meters), and if fitted with drop-down oxygen masks, the operating altitude can increase to 27,000 feet (8,200 meters).

• DHC-8-400
  • Introduced in 1999, this type could carry a maximum of 68 passengers
• DHC-8-401
  • Introduced into service in 1999, this type could carry 70 passengers
• DHC-8-402
  • Also introduced in 1999, this type could carry 78 passengers

• Q400
  • The Q Series (Quiet) had ANVS and could seat between 70-78 passengers
• Q400NextGen
  • Updated from the Q400 series, this had updated cabins, lighting, windows, overhead bins, and landing gear. It also had an Extra Capacity variant that could carry up to 86 passengers, eventually reaching 90 passengers. SpiceJet was the first recipient of the larger 90-seat version in September 2018.
• Q400-MR (now Q400AT)
  • Adapted for aerial firefighting. These aircraft are also known as the DASH 8-400AT Air Tanker or Dash 8-400MRE Multi Role Tanker.

• DHC-8 MPA-D8
  • Converted for use in maritime patrol. PAL Aerospace partnered with us to design and develop this type.
• DHC-8-402PF
  • Converted for pallet freight with a maximum payload of 20,000 pounds or 9,000 kilograms.
• Q400CC
  • This cargo-combi type can fit up to 50 passengers plus 8,200 pounds or 3,720 kilograms of payload. Ryukyu Air Commuter was the first to receive this aircraft in 2015.

According to ch-Aviation, Eastern Australia Airlines, Japan Coast Guard, Maroomba Airlines, PAL Airlines, PassionAir, PAS, Policia Nacional Colombiana, and the US Armed Forces are major operators of the Series 400 family of aircraft.

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