Canada’s Field Aerospace is to supply a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 twin-turboprop to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) to replace the organisation’s current four-engined DHC-7.
Under a contract awarded by the UK Research and Innovation body, Field will deliver the aircraft in April 2024 for introduction in 2025.
Field previously supplied the DHC-7, which has been in service since 1994.
Subcontractors include De Havilland Canada – which will provide the base aircraft – and Collins Aerospace, which will supply a cargo bay door for installation.
To be used for both passenger and freight transport between South America or the Falkland Islands and Rothera Research Station, the Dash 8 will feature a reconfigurable interior, an alternate medical transport configuration and long-range fuel tanks. It will also gain an extensive flightdeck upgrade.
Cirium data lists the current DHC-7 (VP-FBQ) as a 1988-built example originally operated by London City Airways.
