FARNBOROUGH – De Havilland Canada announced today (18JUL) the launch of three cargo conversion solutions for the Dash 8-400 aircraft. The launched solutions include Quick Change (QC), Package Freighter (PF) and Freighter with Large Cargo Door (F-LCD) configurations to address a wide variety of operational business models.

Known worldwide for its low cost of operation, exceptional performance and reliability in airline and special mission operations, the Dash 8-400 aircraft’s rugged design also positions it exceedingly well for cargo operations.

As the cargo market continues to grow, our cargo conversion solutions will easily enhance the overall value and extend the already high revenue-generating capabilities of the Dash 8-400 aircraft. De Havilland Canada will offer the three launched cargo conversion solutions through original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Service Bulletins approved by Transport Canada, and we are ready to provide a wide range of OEM support as desired by our operators – from kit installation to on-site support through our global support infrastructure. Several built-in attributes of the Dash 8-400 aircraft, including its outstanding airfield accessibility, hot-and-high performance, range up to 1,640 nm and long structural life, position it very well for cargo operations, and its low noise and CO2 emissions mean that it’s also an environmentally responsible choice

said Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice President Programs, De Havilland Canada.

Dash 8-400 Quick Change (Dash 8-400 QC)

The Quick Change solution is a revenue expansion model that offers flexibility to convert the Dash 8-400 aircraft between all-passenger and all-cargo configurations. Operators can combine two distinctive income streams into one, significantly expanding their revenue base.

The short time required to switch from one configuration to the other allows operators to match market dynamics swiftly. By installing a new smoke detection system in the cabin to convert it into a Class E compartment, no attendants are required in the cabin for cargo flights.

Dash 8-400 Package Freighter (Dash 8-400 PF)

The Dash 8-400 Package Freighter allows bulk loading of various sizes of cargo, such as e-commerce packages. There are nine distinct loading zones with eight radial spider nets providing tie-down and restraint functions.

The primary cargo access door is in the same position as the aft LHS baggage compartment door in all Dash 8-400 aircraft. There are four additional access doors (one at the front and one at the back on each side of the aircraft) to facilitate quick loading and unloading of cargo.

It is ideal for the transportation of e-commerce packages. An optional cargo loading system is also available for palletized cargo.

Dash 8-400 Freighter with Large Cargo Door (Dash 8-400 F-LCD)

The Dash 8-400 Package Freighter can be equipped with a large cargo door (LCD) and a cargo loading system to provide a containerized cargo model that facilitates the transport of unit load device (ULD) pallets or containers.

With the LCD measuring 109 in x 69 in (2.8 m x 1.8 m), the Dash 8-400 F-LCD is equipped to handle typical containers such as LD1, LD2, LD3 and LD4.

For example, it can carry as many as eight LD3 containers. This would allow interline transfer of containers from other aircraft in an operator’s network. It is ideal for hub-and-spoke network carriers as well as major logistics operators.

DHC working with P&W on Hybrid-Electric aircraft propulsion technology

It’s worth to add that the De Havilland Canada announced about cooperation with Pratt & Whitney Canada to integrate hybrid-electric technology into a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 flight demonstrator. The flight demonstrator will include an advanced electric motor and controller from Collins Aerospace.

The new hybrid-electric propulsion technology will drive significant improvements in aircraft efficiency by optimizing performance across the different phases of flight, allowing the demonstrator to target a 30% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, compared to a modern regional turboprop airliner.

P&WC will target ground testing in 2022, leading to flight testing of the Dash 8-100 demonstrator in 2024.