DeHavilland Canada Dash 8 Series 300

Original 3D model and performance file by Michael T. Oxner, February 14, 1996 Structural and performance modifications and graphic detailing completed by Eric Mitchell, May 25, 1996
Designation changed by Alexander Lawrence to C-FMDW - "Ville de Sault Ste Marie".

General:

The Dash 8 series 300 is an outgrowth of the series 100, one of the most versatile regional turboprop aircraft in the world. Airlines throughout the world now use versions of the Canadian-designed and built 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. The main difference between the two models is that the -300 series has approximately 10 feet of additional fuselage, providing seating for 50 or 56 passengers depending on the cargo configuration. The -300 series has a range of approximately 830 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, serialed C-FJVV, wears the Ontario seal by the main passenger door along with the legend 'The City of Windsor', Canada's southernmost city.  It is painted in the livery of AirOntario, a successful regional airline affiliated with Air Canada.  Thanks to Mickey Bodog for providing the serials and legends for this particular aircraft.

Files included:

	The following files are included in this archive:
		dhc83ont.air		The .air file for your \pilots directory
		dhc83ont.0af	\
		dhc83ont.1af	|
		dhc83ont.2af	|
		dhc83ont.3af	-	Textures for your \texture directory
		dhc83ont.4af	|
		dhc83ont.5af	|
		dhc83ont.6af	|
		dhc83ont.7af	/
		dhc83ont.doc		This document.

Performance:
	As mentioned above, the Dash 8 uses very little runway. For take-off, set the flaps to the second setting, apply full power and rotate at about 90 knots. 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 77 knots at normal operating weights. 

Credits:
	A lot of work went into this airplane. I used Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993-1994 to get the most accurate 3-view drawings and performance numbers available to the general public. As an Air Traffic Controller in the tower at Halifax International Airport and later in the Moncton Area Control Center(Moncton, N.B., Canada), I have had the opportunity to observe the aircraft in various phases of flight both visually and on radar. I also received valuable information through conversations with the pilots that I have had over time.
	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 version of the series 300.

Legal Stuff:
	There is no warranty 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.
	The 3d model was painted in AirOntario's colors. The name AirOntario and the insignia used on this model are trademarks of AirOntario.

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

You can visit the Comox Valley Flight Sim Stopover at:
	http://wings.ark.com
for the best collection of flight simulator freeware and shareware.

