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10 Things You Didn't Know About The Bombardier Q400 Turboprop

Created by Bombardier, the Q400 goes by many names. The two-engine regional turboprop aircraft also goes by the name De Havilland Canada Dash-8-400. While the name sounds completely technical, there are many things about this aircraft that’s unique and interesting.

Part of the Q-series, the Bombardier Q400 features new interiors and better performance numbers when compared to other aircrafts in its line. It provides various upgrades such as better fuel efficiency and jet-like speeds.

Chances are if you’ve traveled in the Alaska-Canada area, you’ve probably been on one of the aircraft in the Q-series. Here are some of the things that set the Q400 apart from the rest.

1. Small plane

The Q400 is designed to only accommodate for 76 passengers, and they’re all coach. The plane also seats two pilots and two flight attendants. The smaller plane size means that the plane can fly faster, which means more flights offered per day.

As a matter of fact, since the release of the Q400, there have been at least 2 more flights per day in the Alaska-Fairbanks route.

2. 2x2 seating

For most people, seating is very important in a plane regardless of how long the travel time may be. The Q400 offers only a 2x2 seating option, which means that you’ll always have either the window or aisle seat.

There are no dreaded middle seats to cringe about. The 2x2 seating is great for those who travel solo or double or even families of whatever size.

3. Flying in the cold

This aircraft was designed to fly in the most extreme cold temperatures that can handle even the worst that Alaska has to offer. They can operate safely even in that scenario, so you can expect that the Q400 is one of the safest aircrafts around.

It’s been operational for a while now and has proven to be efficient and safe ever since its maiden flight in 2000.

4. Total in fleet

There are a total number of 47 Q400s in operation currently, flying across the Alaskan skies daily. That’s a great number of planes that can carry passengers back and forth various destinations throughout the area.

47 Q400s are all fairly new as well in terms of the aviation industry, so you can be guaranteed a newer interior regardless.

5. Faster jet

The Bombardier Q400 gets to 300 miles faster than any other jet aircraft currently. The Q400 is able to do this because it only needs to reach 25,000 feet in order to reach its cruise speed.

Other jets will have to reach their cruise speeds at 33,000 feet or beyond. While its still slower than the 737 at 415 mph, it’s fast enough to do what it’s supposed to do.

6. Quiet travels

You might notice that the Q400 is a lot quieter compared to other jet aircrafts its size. It’s actually quiet both on the inside and the outside of the plane. This is because the Q400 is built with the ANVS (Active Noise and Vibration Suppression) system.

This system creates vibrations that cancel out the vibrations made by the engine and propeller blades, which makes for a quieter ride altogether.

7. Toronto

The Bombardier Q400 is assembled at the Toronto Downsview airport in Toronto, Canada. From there, the aircraft travels to its destination where it starts its given route. Since the Q400 operates mainly in the Canada and Alaska areas, the aircraft doesn’t have to travel far in order to operate.

8. Advanced propulsion and Turboprop Engine

This aircraft features twice the usual horsepower of a typical turboprop. The Q400 offers 5,071 shp. Its engine, the PW150A, is considered to be the most advanced commercial turboprop engine available today.

The six-blade Dowty propellers on the Q400 are a marvel on their own, delivering more thrust with less noise in comparison to other models.

9. Advanced cockpit

You can expect this given that it’s a newer aircraft model, but Bombardier has taken the cockpit to the next level with the Q400. This aircraft features the most advanced avionics that Thales can provide.

It features 5 LCD screens to better help pilots navigate. It also features a modular design to make repairs and upgrades easy.

10. More names

As we’ve said earlier, the Bombardier Q400 goes by a lot of different names. Here are the other names that the aircraft goes by—but they’re all one and the same:

De Havilland Dash-8-Q400, De Havilland Canada Dash-8-400, De Havilland Canada Dash-8-Q400, De Havilland DHC-8-400, De Havilland DHC-8-Q400, Bombardier Dash-8-400, Bombardier Dash-8-Q400, Bombardier DHC-8-400, Bombardier DHC-8-Q400, DH8D and DH4.

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Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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