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Encyclopedia - Bombardier Dash 8
The Bombardier Dash 8 (formerly known as the de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8) was designed to fill the huge gap between the DHC-6 Twin Otter (usually seating 20), and the much larger Dash 7. The first order was placed on 2 April 1980 by NorOntair for two aircraft designated as DHC-8's, or Dash 8's. The first of four prototypes flew on 20 June 1983. Orders kept coming in, reaching 137 by mid-1987 and over 150 by 1988.
From the start, the aircraft was to have a high-wing, two turboprops and a pressurized cabin. It was to also have good STOL abilities. All Dash 8's in service at the start of 1988 were of basic Series 100 type. The only non-standard variants were six aircraft for the Canadian Department of National Defence. Two of these were CC-142 transports which replaced the Dash 7's in Germany. These have rough-field landing gear, strong cargo floors, long-range tanks and special avionics. The other four are CT-142 navigation trainers distinguished by their longer noses.
Early in the 1980's de Havilland Canada planned a Series 200 model, with 1,614kW(2,200shp) PW122 engines, and displayed a model of a proposed 200M in ASW configuration, with FLIR, MAD, ESM, INS and sonobuoy processing. It also had wing and fuselage pylons for weapons and various other stores, but this has given way to the better developed Triton maritime patrol version of the Series 300.
The Series 300 Model was designed by stretching the first prototype Dash 8. This aircraft first flew on 15 May 1987. It has 1,775kW (2,380shp) PW123 engines. It has standard seating for 50 passengers. The wings were also extended to a span of 27.43m (90ft). Deliveries of the Series 300 began in February 1989 immediately after certification.
The Q400 (Q for Quiet) is stretched and improved, carrying 70 to 78 passengers. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW150A turboprop engines each developing 3,783kW (5,071shp). It comes standard with Bombardier's ANVS (Active Noise and Vibration Suppression) system.
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