DeHavilland Canada Dash 8 Series 100

3D model and performance file by Michael T. Oxner, February 14, 1996. Performance modifications and graphic detailing completed by Eric Mitchell, June 28, 1996.



General:
	The Dash 8 series 100 is one of the more versatile regional turboprop aircraft in the world. Originating in Canada, customers as far away as Taiwan have ordered versions of the Dash 8. It's has a proven track record for operating in some of the worst weather conditions for flying including dense fog, icing and snow conditions as proven in the Atlantic Provinces of Canada. It seats 37 passengers, has a range of approximately 1100 nm, and a service ceiling of 25,000 ft. Although, unloaded they have been known to get higher. Part of the reason for its success is the design's short take-off and landing characteristics(STOL). It can use as little as 1,000 feet of runway for take off and landing under normal conditions with a light load.

	The jet panel and jet engines were used in the creation of this model to overcome a few problems with the reciprocating engine options. First, the jet's thrust reversers make an excellent substitute for reverse pitch and the jet's panel has the gauges that are appropriate to a turboprop's operation. This provides a little more realism than the piston engine could do.
	This aircraft is CC142801, the first of a pair of DASH-8M-100 aircraft delivered to the Canadian Forces for use in Europe as utility transports.  They have since been moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where they fly with 402 (Reserve) Squadron.

Files included:
	The following files are included in this archive:
		cc-142.air		The .air file for your \pilots directory
		cc-142.0af	\
		cc-142.1af	|
		cc-142.2af	|
		cc-142.3af	-	Textures for your \texture directory
		cc-142.4af	|
		cc-142.5af	|
		cc-142.6af	|
		cc-142.7af	/
		cc-142.txt		This document.

Performance:
	As mentioned above, the Dash 8 uses very little runway. A normal climb out speed for the Dash 8 is 160 knots. This will yield about 1,500 to 2,000 feet/min in the climb. The performance file has been designed with only the weight of the fuel on board. This will mean the aircraft will climb a little faster than a laden Dash 8. Discussions with pilots of the Dash 8 tell me that the aircraft will do about 275 to 280 knots(maximum) at about FL180-190(18,000 to 19,000 feet) ASL. Normal cruise for all levels is about 250-265 knots.  The aircraft's approach speed has a wide range but is normally around 120 knots. Stall speed, flaps down, is about 72 knots at normal operating weights. 

Credits:
	Once agian, I have to thank many guys for inspiration. I have endeavored to provide a realistic looking and flying airplane after seeing some of the better ones out there. I know this one has a few flaws, and isn't perfect, but what is? Jane's All The World's Aircarft 1993-1994 came in handy by providing me with the 3 view drawing and the most detailled specifics about the Dash 8 I could find. The pilots I talked to deserve a lot of credit for giving me more necessary information than I knew to ask for, although I didn't get their names. I work as an Air Traffic Controller in Moncton Area Control Center and I obtained hints of the Dash 8's performance from day-to-day observations and discussions with pilots and from the two years I spent in Halifax International's control tower.

	I set out to create a "realistic" aircraft for FSFS, so I did a lot of research into the aircraft. Once the original file was released to the general public, I met a couple of guys from Comox, BC, Canada, who run the best flight simulator web site around. Al Pelletier connected me with Eric Mitchell, who is an excellent graphic designer, who offered to improve the model's appearance. He did so with a keen eye and great skill and here is the final product. I don't think I can thank them both enough for what they have done for me and this aircraft. Eric has modified the original DASH-8-100 model to produce this new military version.

Legal Stuff:
	There is no waranty with this product and as such, you use this at your own risk.
	I intended this product for the use of the general public, free of charge, and neither this file nor its associated files are to be reproduced for resale in any form without my written permission. I also insist that this text file accompany the other files in this archive.


Copyright 1996 by Michael T. Oxner
		   Moncton, N.B.
		   packrat@mi.net
