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McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 vs. Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)

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DC-9-30

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Q400 (Dash 8)

Price (USD)
$10 Million$32 Million
First Flight
19661998
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
36 m119 ft
32 m107 ft
Wingspan
28 m93 ft
28 m93 ft
Wing Area
93 m²1,001 ft²
64 m²688 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m11 ft
2 m8 ft
Height
8 m27 ft
8 m27 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
48,988 kg108,000 lbs
30,500 kg67,241 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
Pratt & Whitney JT8DPratt & Whitney PW150A
Max Thrust Per Engine
67 kN15,000 lbf
3,800 kW5,071 shp
Max Total Thrust
134 kN30,000 lbf
7,600 kW10,142 shp
Fuel Capacity
13,900 l3,672 gal
6,530 l1,725 gal
Range
2,800 km1,512 nm
2,040 km1,102 nm
Cruise Speed
897 km/h557 mph
644 km/h400 mph
Typical Seating
115 pax76 pax
Max Seating
127 pax90 pax

What Are the Differences Between the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 and Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)

McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 vs Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) Size Comparison

  • At 36.40 meters, the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 is 3.50 meters longer than the Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8).
  • The McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 and the Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) have the same wingspan at 28.4 m
  • The McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 and Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) have heights of 8.50 meters and 8.40 meters respectively - making the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 0.10 meters taller.

McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 vs Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) Range

  • McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30’s range of 2,800 kilometers is greater than Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)’s range of 2,040 kilometers. Therefore, the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 can fly nonstop approximately 760 kilometers further.
  • The McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 can hold 3,672 gallons of fuel, which is 1,947 gallons more than the Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)’s tank capacity of 1,725 gallons.

McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 vs Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 can accommodate 115 passengers, which is about 39 passengers more than Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)’s seating capacity.
  • The McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30’s max seating capacity is 127 passengers, compared to 90 passengers of the Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8).

About the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30

The McDonnel Douglas DC-9-30, a narrow-body jet airliner first introduced in 1966, stands as a significant aircraft in the evolution of commercial aviation. Designed during an era of rapid growth in air travel, the DC-9-30 was developed to meet the demands of short to medium-haul routes, offering airlines a more efficient and practical alternative to the larger jetliners of the time. The Series 30 of the DC-9 included four main sub-variants, -31, -32, -33, and -34. During its production, the -30 was by far the most popular model of the DC-9 with 585 units delivered.

This aircraft was initially developed as the Douglas DC-9, prior to August 1967 merger with McDonnell Aircraft. The DC-9-30 measures in at 36.4 meters (119.3 feet) in length. This size enabled it to operate efficiently in smaller airports and on shorter runways - a niche that was underserved at the time of its introduction. Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney PWJTD engines, the DC-9-30 has a total thrust output of 134.0 kN (30,000 lbf). Its fuel capacity of 13,900 liters (3,672 US gallons) gives the DC-9-30 a range of approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,512 nautical miles). This range was particularly advantageous for airlines looking to serve regional networks with an efficient and reliable jet.

The DC-9-30's typical five abreast seating layout can fit around 115 passengers, with a maximum of 127 in a high-density layout.

In its market segment, the McDonnel Douglas DC-9-30 was a key competitor to other short-haul aircraft of the era. Its introduction provided airlines with a jetliner that was not only smaller and more versatile than the larger, long-haul aircraft but also more efficient and economical for short to medium-range routes.

Airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, and TWA were prominent operators of the DC-9-30, utilizing its capabilities to enhance their regional route networks. The aircraft's role in these fleets demonstrated its effectiveness in bridging the gap between propeller-driven airliners and larger jets, contributing significantly to the growth of regional air travel.

The McDonnel Douglas DC-9-30's production and service history highlight its importance as a practical and versatile aircraft in commercial aviation. The last DC-9 to ever be built was delivered in 1982. After its retirement, McDonnell Douglas went on to produce the MD-80 and the MD-95.

About the Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)

The Bombardier Q400, belonging to the DHC Dash 8 series, is a turboprop aircraft engineered for regional aviation. With a length of 32.9 meters (107.9 feet) and a wingspan of 28.4 meters (93.2 feet), the Q400 is designed to operate efficiently in diverse regional airport environments. It strives in operations that require agility and short takeoff and landing capabilities. From the outside, the Q400 can be identified by its high-wing design, 6-bladed propellors, T-tail, and wing-mounted landing gears. The Q400 was the most popular variant of the Dash 8, with over 600 delivered as of September 2019. De Havilland ultimately paused Dash 8-Q400 production in 2021 due to the pandemic and lack of demand.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW150A engines, the aircraft is capable of producing a substantial power output, . This power enables the Q400 to achieve a range of approximately 2,040 kilometers (1,102 nautical miles), making it a suitable choice for various regional routes, from short hops to more extended connections. The selection of turboprop engines for the Q400 reflects a focus on fuel efficiency and operational cost-effectiveness, key considerations in the regional airline market. The cabin of the Q400, configured to seat about 76 passengers in a standard layout, can be adapted to accommodate up to 90 passengers in high-density seating arrangements. This flexibility allows airlines to optimize the aircraft for different route profiles. The cabin design incorporates elements aimed at improving passenger comfort, such as noise reduction, which is particularly beneficial during the shorter flights typical in regional travel.

In the regional aircraft market, the Bombardier Q400 offers an alternative to similar capacity regional jets, like the ATR 72. The aircraft's competitive edge lies in its combination of turboprop efficiency with a passenger capacity that approaches that of larger regional jets. This balance makes the Q400 a viable option for airlines operating a range of regional routes. Operators of the Q400, including Porter Airlines, Flybe, and Horizon Air, have found the aircraft suitable for their diverse regional networks. The Q400's operational profile allows these airlines to service routes efficiently, connecting smaller cities and towns with major hubs. The aircraft's role in these fleets underscores its suitability for the specific demands of regional air travel, where efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness are paramount.

In summary, the Bombardier Q400's introduction into the regional aviation sector provided airlines with an aircraft that aligns well with the operational requirements of short to medium-haul routes. Its design, capacity, and range capabilities make it a noteworthy choice for airlines looking to enhance their regional operations.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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