Bombardier Q400
Passengers who are looking for a flight that is both dependable and affordable now have a great option available to them in the form of the powerful Q400 aircraft, which features an upgraded noise suppression system. It is known for having a respectable market share and offers excellent mileage for the fuel it consumes.
This aircraft is a powerful turboprop that was developed specifically for use on flights that are less than 100 miles in length. Because the aircraft has boarding doors in both the front and the back, loading and unloading passengers is now more streamlined and efficient than ever before. In addition, the overhead bin space in the cabin of this aircraft is limited, which means that larger items have to be loaded in the cargo hold rather than in the cabin itself.
Development
The upgraded noise suppression system is one of the most important aspects of the Q400. Because it generates vibrations while in flight, the system is able to deliver an experience that is both smooth and unobtrusive. The vibrations caused by the propeller blades and the engines are neutralised by these, resulting in a serene and stress-free flight experience.
It went into operation in the year 2000 and was eventually sold to Longview/Viking in 2018. Since it went into service, the Q400 has been delivered at an impressive rate of 30 to 35 aircraft per year, and there is currently a backlog of orders to ensure that demand can be easily met.
At the moment, the Q400 is put together in Toronto, which is located in Canada. After being put together, it makes its way to the location from which it will set out on its journey. As a result of the fact that this aircraft is frequently utilised in Alaskan and Canadian regions, it is not required to travel very far.
Orders and Deliveries
The Q400 has the ability to maintain a market value of around $21 million dollars when it is brand new. Because of the backlog of 65 orders, there are fewer of these aircraft available for use.
The Q400 is a popular choice among fleets and is used by a great number of businesses today. The airlines ANA Wings, Airphil Express, Ethiopian Airlines, Flybe, Jazz Air, and Qantaslink are among the most frequently used of these alternatives.
Design
As a result of the fact that it is able to operate in extremely low temperatures, this aircraft is frequently seen in Alaska and other geographically remote parts of the world. Since it made its first flight in the year 2000, it has established a reputation for being a dependable and effective aircraft.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Q400 is the fact that it has double the horsepower of a standard turboprop. The robust engine produces 5071 shaft horsepower. This is an extremely cutting-edge propulsion system. In addition, the six-blade propellers deliver a significant amount of thrust with a negligible amount of noise, particularly when contrasted with other models that are functionally equivalent. They are dependable, and in addition to being some of the quietest and most powerful propellers available on the market today, they are made by Dowty.
Cockpit
The cockpit of the Q400 is more sophisticated than that of the Q200 and Q300, which makes perfect sense given that this model is still being manufactured. The aircraft is equipped with some of the most cutting-edge Thales avionics that are currently in use in the aviation industry. In addition to having a modular design, it has five LCD panels, which makes navigating much easier. This design also makes it feasible to do any necessary repairs or upgrades in the shortest amount of time and with the least amount of difficulty. Because of this, the aircraft will not be out of service for an excessively lengthy period of time.
Cabin
Even though it’s a smaller plane, the Q400 can comfortably accommodate all 76 passengers in coach seating. There is space for two pilots and two flight attendants in this aircraft. Because of its diminutive size, the aircraft is not only quicker but also able to do a greater number of flights in a single day.
There are no middle seats in the 2×2 seating configuration of the Q400, which is one of the reasons why such a large number of passengers like flying on this aircraft. The Q300 is 6.83 metres less in length than the longer airframe. Additionally, it possesses a larger and more robust tail.
The engines are Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A models, and each one has a rating of 3620 kW. The Q400 is able to effortlessly achieve a speed of 667 km/h, which is substantially faster than both the Q300 and the Q200. This is because of the powerful engines that it is equipped with.
Performance
This aircraft can reach its cruising altitude quite rapidly because to its maximum operational height of 7600 metres. The Q400 is able to quickly achieve its maximum operational altitude despite having a cruising speed that is significantly slower than that of several other aircraft that are already in use. Although it is a little bit slower than other aircraft, such as the 737, it is meant for shorter flights and is able to do what it is supposed to do in a quick and easy manner.
There is a model of the Q400 that has oxygen masks that can be lowered into the cockpit. This aircraft is able to enjoy a maximum operating altitude that is slightly higher than usual, which is 8200 metres. It has a maximum range of 2.040 kilometres and a cruising speed of 667 kilometres per hour.
Gear for Landing
The Q400 utilises the conventional forward-folding landing gear that is used in other Bombardier aircraft. This landing gear may be folded backwards.
Competitors
The ATR 72 is the most significant rival that the Q400 faces. In point of fact, this aircraft has a track record of continuously stronger sales than the Q400.
Cost of Operations on an Averaged Basis Per Block Hour
With only 100 flying hours per year, the annual operating costs average out to be approximately $7283. This decreases significantly as the total number of annual flight hours rises. When there are 1000 flight hours over the course of a year, the average hourly cost is only about $3246.
