50 Seat Q400

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goingnowherefast
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50 Seat Q400

Post by goingnowherefast »

We have our answer for the Dash 8-300 replacement.
https://leehamnews.com/2019/09/06/de-ha ... lize-q400/

Near the bottom
DHC revealed a 50-passenger configuration for the Q400, like that created by Bombardier at the request of Trans States Airlines, an operator for United Airlines, to reconfigure the CRJ700 to 50 passengers and called the CRJ550.

The Q400 50-seat version provides ample carry-on luggage space to avoid gate checks. Poutissou claims economics of the reduced configuration will beat the CRJ550.
Not sure on fuselage length though, doesn't really make sense to just put 50 seats in a 78 seat airplane and call it something different.
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tps8903
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Re: 50 Seat Q400

Post by tps8903 »

goingnowherefast wrote: Fri Sep 06, 2019 12:20 pm We have our answer for the Dash 8-300 replacement.
https://leehamnews.com/2019/09/06/de-ha ... lize-q400/

Near the bottom
DHC revealed a 50-passenger configuration for the Q400, like that created by Bombardier at the request of Trans States Airlines, an operator for United Airlines, to reconfigure the CRJ700 to 50 passengers and called the CRJ550.

The Q400 50-seat version provides ample carry-on luggage space to avoid gate checks. Poutissou claims economics of the reduced configuration will beat the CRJ550.
Not sure on fuselage length though, doesn't really make sense to just put 50 seats in a 78 seat airplane and call it something different.
Seems like that would be an all buisness class 2x1 configuration?
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rigpiggy
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Re: 50 Seat Q400

Post by rigpiggy »

the same way that putting 40-44 seats in a crj200 makes it a crj-440. most have been reconfigured back to 50 seat config
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dhc#
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Re: 50 Seat Q400

Post by dhc# »

I thought they were already building a 50 seat version of the Dash 8 400...in a combi version.
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GoinVertical
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Re: 50 Seat Q400

Post by GoinVertical »

goingnowherefast wrote: Fri Sep 06, 2019 12:20 pm
DHC revealed a 50-passenger configuration for the Q400, like that created by Bombardier at the request of Trans States Airlines, an operator for United Airlines, to reconfigure the CRJ700 to 50 passengers and called the CRJ550.

The Q400 50-seat version provides ample carry-on luggage space to avoid gate checks. Poutissou claims economics of the reduced configuration will beat the CRJ550.
Not sure on fuselage length though, doesn't really make sense to just put 50 seats in a 78 seat airplane and call it something different.
Important bit highlighted. It's not a Dash 8 400 if you change the fuselage length.

As the above commenter said, there is already a 50 seat combi model. I'm sure this is just a bunch of first class seats with some extra wardrobes for large carry-on bags.

I think they are just trying to highlight the flexibility of the program and that they're willing to work with customers. They want to get that order backlog up beyond the one year it is now.

They have already stated they're looking into bringing the Classic back. That will be a longer term project.

Q400 is a great replacement for older regional jets on light routes, and is cheaper to operate. It's not a great replacement for routes in the Classic Dash and ATR, and the fuel burn and cost of operation (even if you pull the speed back at cruise) is still substantially more. Especially when you're operating routes where your average passenger loads are in the twenties and thirties.

(Slightly off topic, but Dornier is apparently creating a D328Neu that's a 40-seat stretch - that will definitely show if the market is ready for a new aircraft this size to join the ATR...)
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oldncold
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Re: 50 Seat Q400

Post by oldncold »

atr. good cargo.hauler ,shitty in ice, dash 8 better in ice less useful cargo. I would hazard a guess that the dash comes back in the 300 size with 400 series engines and up grossed to handle the cargo and airframe requirements. sure would make make. getin out terrace bc or kamloops on +35 day in imc. a tad less pucker factor than the classic or 300 is now
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dhc#
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Re: 50 Seat Q400

Post by dhc# »

PW 150s might be a bit much on the 300s frame...could see them going with a version of the PW 127s with 6 bladed props like the newer ATRs use and a prop brake for a hotel mode thus negating the need for an APU....definitely lots of modernization and upgrade potential if they ever do go ahead with a Dash 8 300 (neo).
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GoinVertical
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Re: 50 Seat Q400

Post by GoinVertical »

dhc# wrote: Sat Sep 14, 2019 6:15 am PW 150s might be a bit much on the 300s frame...could see them going with a version of the PW 127s with 6 bladed props like the newer ATRs use and a prop brake for a hotel mode thus negating the need for an APU....definitely lots of modernization and upgrade potential if they ever do go ahead with a Dash 8 300 (neo).
Definitely PW150's would not work in a 300 frame. Even if you down-rated them the ground fuel burn is quite a bit more than the PW100 series and you just don't need that much power.

I don't know if anyone wants a prop brake. Just throw in an APU that actually works.

I'd say they'd be smart to do a 300 with a forward galley and a moveable rear bulkhead for operators that need the room for cargo, same as the 100's and Q400 combis.
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dhc#
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Re: 50 Seat Q400

Post by dhc# »

Updating would probably including a lot of weight savings (ie. more composites inside and out, ditching the APU=weight, glass cockpit).

Keep the galley aft and move the shitter to the back as well, Dash's have always been nose heavy...

Lots can be done upgrade a proven frame...as mentioned before, the market will decide if there is a demand for new (old) models of this pax size range...
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GoinVertical
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Re: 50 Seat Q400

Post by GoinVertical »

They aren't nose heavy with an APU, and the weight difference is not terribly significant, especially the useful load of the average 300.

There are a few companies doing the 300 combi mod, and for good reason. 40 pax with 4000 lbs or so cargo and bags is a capable platform for up north. That said, I don't know if any airlines operating this way would be interesting in buying a brand new aircraft anyway.

Some airports don't allow a prop brake, they are louder than an APU, and now you have the issue of moving the refuelling port, since I can't imagine they will allow pressure refuelling under the tailpipe of a running engine.
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