Aircraft overview

The De Havilland Dash 8 / Q Series is a family of twin engine regional turboprops originally developed by de Havilland Canada, later produced under Bombardier and returned to De Havilland Canada ownership. The Dash 8 first flew in 1983 and entered service in 1984. Production covered the Series 100, 200 and 300, followed by the Q Series and the larger Q400, with Q400 production ending in 2021. The type matters in the used market because it combines airline category systems, strong short field capability and turboprop economics on routes where regional jets may be less efficient.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends strongly on variant. The smaller Dash 8 Series 100, 200 and 300 typically cruise in the mid 200 knot range, while the Q400 is substantially faster, with typical cruise speeds around 360 knots. Published range is commonly around 1,000 nautical miles for many passenger configurations, subject to payload, reserves and optional tanks. Service ceiling is up to 25,000 feet. Useful load and payload vary by model, with the Q400 carrying the highest commercial payload, commonly cited at about 18,000 lb plus in airline layouts. Power comes from Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 series turboprops, including PW120, PW121 and PW123 variants on earlier models and PW150A engines on the Q400.

Cabin & avionics

Passenger capacity ranges from about 37 to 39 seats in the Series 100, around 50 to 56 in the Series 300, and typically 68 to 78 seats in the Q400, with some high density configurations approved for more. The Q Series name refers to active noise and vibration suppression, a major cabin refinement compared with early commuter turboprops. Avionics vary by age and operator. Earlier aircraft are commonly equipped with Collins, Honeywell or Universal avionics combinations, while the Q400 uses an integrated Thales flight deck with large electronic displays. Garmin Perspective or G1000 is not the standard factory suite for this aircraft family.

Buying & value

Buyers usually compare the Dash 8 by mission and variant: Series 100 and 200 for shorter, lower density routes, Series 300 for 50 seat operations, and Q400 for higher speed, higher capacity regional service. Inspection priorities include total cycles, corrosion history, landing gear life, propeller condition, PW100 engine status, records for airworthiness directives and service bulletins, and cabin or cargo conversion quality. Common upgrades include modern navigation, ADS-B, interior refurbishment, special mission equipment and freighter or combi conversions. In the used market, the De Havilland Dash 8 / Q Series is positioned as a durable regional turboprop family with broad airline, cargo, charter and government utility.