The DHC 8 is more usually referred to nowadays as the Dash-8 and although it is often thought to have been an original Bombardier aircraft, it actually has its design and production roots in De Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada.
This web page is purely for reference and historical information on this aircraft.BAE Systems Heritage
The De Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada DHC-8, also known as the "Dash 8," is a twin turboprop regional passenger aircraft designed for high performance and low operating costs. It features a twin-engine configuration, offering cost-effective maintenance, especially compared to its predecessor, the four-engine Dash 7. Initially designed for 36-39 passengers (Dash 8-100), later models, including the 200, 300, 400, and Q400, expanded seating to up to 90 passengers. The 'Q' models indicate added cabin noise suppression features.
The DHC-8 prototype (C-GDNK) first flew on 20th June 1983, entering service with NorOntair on 23rd October 1984. Its design features include a high T-tail to avoid propwash effects and elongated engine nacelles to accommodate rear-folding undercarriages. The Dash 8-200 followed, maintaining the same seating but with improved cargo capacity and more powerful PW123 engines. The Dash 8-300, with 50 seats, debuted in 1987, and the stretched Dash 8-400 flew in 1988.
In 1986, De Havilland Canada was privatized by the Canadian Government and sold to Boeing. In 1992, Bombardier Aerospace acquired De Havilland Canada, incorporating the Dash 8 into their portfolio and introducing the popular Q400 model, known for its low noise levels. In 2018 Longview Aviation acquired the Bombardier Dash 8 program, and the aircraft remains in production today under their De Havilland Aircraft of Canada name.