De Havilland Aircraft of Canada unveiled three cargo conversion solutions for the Dash 8- 400 regional transport aircraft at the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow.
To address a wide variety of operational business models, De Havilland Canada is offering a Quick Change, Package Freighter and Freighter with Large Cargo Door (F-LCD) configurations to customers.
Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice President Programs, De Havilland Canada, said the airframer will enhance the overall value and extend the already high revenue-generating capabilities of the Dash 8-400 aircraft.
The Dash 8-400 Quick Change is being offered as a revenue expansion model that offers flexibility to convert the Dash 8-400 aircraft between all-passenger and all-cargo configurations. The installation of a new smoke detection system in the cabin will convert the cargo area into a Class E compartment, thereby ensuring that no attendants are required in the cabin for cargo flights. The Canadian airframer said it would provide a wide range of OEM support as desired by its operators – from kit installation to on-site support through our global support infrastructure.
To meet customer requirements for bulk loading of various cargo sizes, De Havilland Canada is now offering the Dash 8-400 Package Freighter. It will have applications in areas such as the transfer of e-commerce packages. The primary cargo access door is in the same position as the aft LHS baggage compartment door in all Dash 8-400 aircraft. In addition to this, 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. An optional cargo loading system for palletised cargo is also being offered on the Dash 8-400 PF.
The Dash 8-400 Freighter with Large Cargo Door will allow transport of unit load device (ULD) pallets or containers. It features a cargo loading system to provide a containerised cargo model. It can carry as many as eight LD3 containers catering for interline transfer of containers from other aircraft in an operator’s network. The Dash 8-400 F-LCD will be well suited for hub-and-spoke network carriers and major logistics operators.
The Dash 8-400 aircraft offers improved hot-and-high performance, a range up to 1,640nm and long structural life, making it well suited for cargo operations.