Bombardier - Dash 8 Q100
The Dash 8 was designed from the outset primarily as an aircraft capable of carrying 36 passengers and their luggage in modern airliner comfort, and at high block speeds on short haul routes between major airports. DHC did not however abandon all the expertise in STOL operations and the company promoted the Dash 8 as having “superior” runway performance, particularly from and to hot and high airfields. These capabilities would also assist the type in its secondary mission, to be a military transport and general purpose utility aircraft. The first Dash 8 prototype lifted off from Downsview on its maiden flight on 20 June 1983. The Canadian DoT certified the aircraft on 28 September 1984, by which time orders had already been received for more than 100 aircraft. The first customer was NorOntair, who received the first of two Series 100s on 23 October 1984, placing the type into service on 19 December 1984. Power was provided by either the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120A rated at 1491 kW, as fitted to the Series 102 or the PW121 rated at 1603 kW, as on the Series 103. Production of the Series 100 continues as the Q100, which from 1998 has offered a 12 decibel reduction in cabin noise, achieved through a revised noise and vibration suppression system, which is also available for retrofitting to older Series 100 aircraft. The Series 100 was improved in the standard body Series 200 and stretched into the Series 300 and 400, each of which became available, respectively in Q200, Q300 and Q400 form.
