Information about Q400
 

I am interested in getting operational information on Dash8 Q400 aircraft, for a start-up operation in North Africa. Appreciate any colleague who can give me details of the aircraft or its performance from gravel runways. Area of operation is hot and high. Also interested in fuel consumption; approx how much per hour? Any info will be highly appreciated.

Thanks


Long D

Long D

I would suggest if this is serious that you get in touch with Bombardier direct and they will give you all the information you need (google bombardier regional aircraft). Good luck with it, I would worry about operating it off gravel because of the risk of FOD damage to the propellers but I'm sure they could allay any fears on that score.

I believe it is certified to operate off paved surfaces.

Also check out:

Q400.COM - Home Page

You find plenty of info about the plane there - plus all the contacts to Bombardier.

Safe flights!

Q400 Fuel Consumption
 

Long D

In terms of fuel consumption in a typical UK environment max cruising at 25,000ft with the propellers at 850 rpm and the power levers in the rating detent total fuel flow is approximately 1100 kilos per hour.... yes I did say total i.e. both engines!!! :)

This figure is a typical summer fuel flow with temperatures being around ISA+10 at cruising altitude of 24,000/25,000ft. This would also mean that you are cruising just below VMO (red barbers pole). Thus indicated airspeed of around 250kts.

If however you were to bring the power levers back to maintain Indicated airspeed of 210kts in the cruise, then your TOTAL flow fuel can be improved significantly to approximately 730 kilos per hour!

The latter procedure is a great way to save fuel especially if your running early. It helps if the duration of the flight is greater than 1 hour so you can clearly see the benefit from this technique.

Mind you with such a good fuel burn already you may be more than happy with 1100kgs, but its great tool to have the ability to reduce that further. Of course this is relative, however if your planning to have a large fleet this can significantly reduce your fuel bill!

Please be advised that if the aircraft has drop down masks in the cabin then the max cruising altitude with be 28,000ft but I don't have figures for that level, perhaps someone else can help here.

As mentioned above I would strongly advise you to seek advice and obtain figures from Bombardier if you are seriously considering Q400 operations.

Hope this has helped... Good Luck!

Aka.

In terms of performance, a few examples taken straight from the tables in the AOM to give ball park figures of what you can expect.

Sea level, TODA 1000m, 25 degrees C, flap 15 gives a restricted take off mass of 24686kg.

The same conditions but with 1500m TODA gives unrestricted TOM 29500kg.

Look @ 3000 feet elevation, 1000m TODA 25 deg. C, flap 15 give an RTOM of 23000kg.

Same again 1500m TODA gives an RTOM 27800kg.

Bear in mind the basic empty mass is around 17300kg and you can take upto 5200kg of fuel. It's a good aircraft, very economical and a good performer especially in cooler climates. I don't know how long the gravel strips would be or the elevation but the loads certainly could get extremely restrictive for passenger ops.

Hope this is of some use, but as mentioned by previous posters Bombardier will be able to give you more detailed info tailored to your requirements.

Rgds.