At the Farnborough International Airshow, De Havilland Canada announced the launch of three freighter conversion solutions for the popular Dash 8-400 turboprop.
The configurations presented are the Quick Change (QC), the Package Freighter (PF) and the Freighter with Large Cargo Door (F-LCD). The new options will support the operations of a wide variety of airfreight business models.
De Havilland Canada will offer all three solutions through original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Service Bulletins. It reported it will provide comprehensive services to operators, including conversion process and on-site support, through De Havilland Canada’s infrastructure network.
«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,» said Jean-Philippe Côté, VP of Programs for the Canadian manufacturer. He also noted the aircraft’s accessibility to airports with shorter runways, its range and long operational life.
Dash 8-400 Quick Change (Dash 8-400 QC)
The Quick Change solution is a revenue expansion model that will provide the flexibility to convert the aircraft between passenger and cargo configurations. The changeover will be able to be performed in a short time and thus improve operator customization. De Havilland Canada highlighted the installation of a new smoke detection system to convert the cabin into an Class E compartment. This will enable the aircraft to operate with no attendants in that space.
It will be able to carry up to 20.310 pounds of cargo (9.212 kilograms) in 52.8 cubic meters. It will have a range of up to 1.600 nautical miles (2.963 kilometers).
Dash 8-400 Package Freighter (Dash 8-400 PF)
The second solution will allow bulk loading of packages of different sizes. It will be divided into nine cargo areas with eight radial nets providing tie-down and restraint functions. The main cargo access door will be in the same position as the rear baggage compartment door on all Dash 8-400 aircraft. It will also feature four additional access doors to facilitate quick stowage and unstowage. An optional loading system for palletized cargo will also be available.
It will be able to carry up to 22.500 pounds of cargo (10.205 kilograms) in 78.6 cubic meters. It will have a range of up to 1.555 nautical miles (2.879 kilometers).
Dash 8-400 Freighter with large cargo door (Dash 8-400 F-LCD)
Finally, the Dash 8-400 Package Freighter will be able to be equipped with a large cargo door (LCD) to provide a containerized cargo model to facilitate the transport of pallets or unit load device (ULD) containers. It will be equipped to accommodate typical containers such as LD1, LD2, LD3 and LD4. This would allow interline transfer of containers from other aircraft in an operator’s fleet. These features would make it an attractive option for hub-and-spoke network carriers as well as large logistics operators.
It will be able to carry up to 21.400 pounds of cargo (9.706 kilograms) in 78.6 cubic meters. It will have a range of up to 1.640 nautical miles (3.037 kilometers).
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