Aircraft Profile: Bombardier Q400

The Bombardier (formerly de Havilland Canada) Dash 8 Q400 is a twin engined, medium range turboprop. Introduced by de Havilland Canada in 1984, they are now built by Bombardier and since 1996 have been known as the QSeries of aircraft. Bombardier forecasts a production run of close to 1,200 units of all Dash8/QSeries variants by 2016.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A turboprop engines, the Q400 has a range of 1,360nm (2,520km) and can carry 68-78 passengers at a cruising speed of 360kts (667km/h).

The Bombardier Q series of aircraft are highly distinguishable due to their large T-tail, intended to keep the tail free from prop wash during takeoff, a very high aspect ratio wing, elongated engine nacelles and a pointed nose profile.

In April 2008, Bombardier announced the cancellation of all "classic" Q Series aircraft, leaving the Q400 as the only Dash 8 still in production. Bombardier is currently studying the development of a 90-100 seat stretched variant of the Q400, call the Q400x.

As of 1996, all QSeries aircraft, including the 400 were fitted with an Active Noise and Vibration Suppression system, designed to reduce both cabin noise and vibration levels to those of jet airliners. To emphasise this, Bombardier renamed the Dash 8 series of aircraft the QSeries for quiet.