Sylvie Willis
The Bombardier Q400 is a highly fuel-efficient regional commercial aircraft. The Q400 was part of the Dash-8 series program of turboprops, which was later renamed by Bombardier to the Q series. The fuel burn of the Q400 depends on various factors, such as speed, altitude, and duration of the flight. For instance, the Q400's fuel burn is around 712 US gallons when flying 600 nautical miles at 18,000 feet at a high-speed intermediate speed cruise. At a higher altitude of 25,000 feet, the total fuel flow is approximately 1,100 kg per hour, and this can be reduced to around 730 kg per hour by adjusting the power levers to maintain an indicated airspeed of 210 knots.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel burn rate is 2,667 lbs/hr
The Bombardier Q400 is a highly fuel-efficient regional commercial aircraft. The fuel burn rate of the Q400 is influenced by various factors, including speed, altitude, and flight conditions.
The fuel burn rate of 2,667 lbs/hr is a specific value that can be influenced by the aircraft's configuration and operating conditions. This burn rate suggests a fuel consumption of approximately 1100 kg/hr, which can be achieved through certain techniques and considerations.
One technique to optimize fuel efficiency is to adjust the power levers to maintain an indicated airspeed of 210 knots during the cruise phase. This can significantly improve fuel efficiency, reducing total flow to around 730 kg/hr. This strategy is particularly beneficial for longer flights exceeding one hour, as it allows for a clear demonstration of fuel savings.
Additionally, external factors such as tailwinds can further enhance fuel efficiency. For example, cruising at 210 knots with favorable tailwinds can result in fuel burn rates of less than 400 kg/hr, showcasing the dynamic nature of fuel consumption based on environmental conditions.
It is worth noting that the Q400's fuel efficiency is also influenced by its altitude. While the aircraft can achieve impressive performance at 25,000 feet, its maximum cruising altitude is limited to 28,000 feet due to the presence of drop-down masks in the cabin.
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Fuel efficiency at 600 nautical miles
The Bombardier Q400 is a highly fuel-efficient regional commercial aircraft. When flying 600 nautical miles at 18,000 feet (Flight Level 180) at "high-speed" intermediate speed cruise (ISC), the Q400 burns around 712 US gallons or 4,768 pounds (2,163 kilograms) of fuel. This equates to 1.187 gallons per mile or 0.843 nautical miles per gallon.
When flying the same trip at a "fuel-saving" option, achieving maximum cruise range speed (MRC), the Q400 consumes around 664 US gallons or 4,447 pounds (2,017 kilograms) of fuel. This equates to 1.107 gallons per nautical mile or 0.904 nautical miles per gallon.
The Q400 is so overpowered that it is normal to use full derate on almost all takeoffs except the first of the day. A 1-hour sector should use about 1,000 kg, but this can be reduced to slightly below 1,000 kg/hr when cruising at Flight Level 250 (25,000 feet). At typical weights, in the cruise at Flight Level 250, you can expect a fuel burn of 500-520 kgph per side at VMO-10, and 450-470 kgph per side at VMO-20.
The Q400 was designed to fly at 32,000 feet, but when the CAF withdrew their interest, the need to operate above 25,000 feet disappeared. As a result, de Havilland removed the drop-down oxygen masks to save weight and cost. The Q400 has gained certification to fly at Flight Level 270 (27,000 feet), and flying at this altitude results in approximately 3% fuel savings when compared to flying at Flight Level 250.
The Bombardier Q400 is a turboprop aircraft, and today's turboprop airliners are more fuel-efficient than current jet airliners, partly due to their propellers. In 2012, turboprop airliners were found to be correlated with US regional carriers' fuel efficiency.
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Fuel burn at 25,000 feet
The Bombardier Q400 is one of the more fuel-efficient regional commercial aircraft. It has a maximum operating altitude of 25,000 feet (FL250) and a normal cruise speed of 350 KTS / 403 MPH. At 25,000 feet, the Q400 has lower fuel consumption than at lower altitudes.
When flying at 18,000 feet (FL180) at a "high-speed" intermediate speed cruise (ISC), the Q400's fuel burn is around 712 US gallons or 4,768 pounds (2,163 kilograms) for a range of 600 nautical miles. This equates to 1.187 gallons per mile or 0.843 nautical miles per gallon.
At 25,000 feet, the Q400's fuel consumption is reduced. The exact fuel burn will depend on various factors such as cruise speed, duration of the flight, and wind conditions. According to one source, at 25,000 feet, the Q400 has a total fuel flow of approximately 1,100 kilograms per hour with the propellers at 850 rpm and the power levers in the rating detent. However, by adjusting the power levers to maintain an indicated airspeed of 210 knots, the total fuel flow can be improved to approximately 730 kilograms per hour, resulting in significant fuel savings.
Another factor affecting fuel burn is the altitude at which the aircraft cruises. Flying at an altitude of 27,000 feet (FL270) results in approximately 3% fuel savings when compared to flying at 25,000 feet. Additionally, cruising at an altitude that is 2,000 feet below the optimum altitude can result in 600 kilograms (1,300 pounds) of additional fuel consumption.
The Bombardier Q400's fuel efficiency contributes to its overall operating costs. The average fuel burn of new aircraft has improved significantly over time, with a 45% reduction from 1968 to 2014. Fuel economy in aircraft is influenced by various factors, including aerodynamics, weight, engine brake-specific fuel consumption, propulsive efficiency, and optimum airspeed and altitude.
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Total fuel flow at 1100 kilos/hour
The Bombardier Q400 is a highly fuel-efficient regional commercial aircraft. When flying at 600 nautical miles at 18,000 feet (Flight Level/FL180) at "high speed" intermediate speed cruise (ISC), the Q400's fuel burn is around 712 US gallons or 4,768 pounds (2,163 kilograms). This equates to 1.187 gallons per mile or 0.843 nautical miles per gallon.
At a fuel-saving speed, the Q400's fuel consumption is reduced to around 664 US gallons or 4,447 pounds (2,017 kilograms). This equates to 1.107 gallons per nautical mile or 0.904 nautical miles per gallon.
The total fuel flow of the Q400 at a cruising altitude of 24,000/25,000 feet with an indicated airspeed of 250kts is approximately 1100 kilograms per hour. This can be improved significantly to around 730 kilograms per hour by reducing the airspeed to 210kts. This technique is especially useful for longer flights, helping to reduce the overall fuel bill for a large fleet.
The Q400's fuel efficiency is further demonstrated when cruising with a tailwind of 90kts. Under these conditions, the fuel burn can be reduced to below 400 kilograms per hour, making it even more efficient than the ATR aircraft.
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Fuel burn reduction techniques
The Bombardier Q400 is considered one of the more fuel-efficient regional commercial aircraft flying today. However, there are still techniques that can be employed to reduce fuel burn and maximise efficiency.
One technique is to adjust the power levers to maintain an indicated airspeed of 210kts during the cruise, which can reduce total fuel flow to approximately 730kg per hour, a significant improvement over the standard 1100kg per hour. This method is especially effective for longer flights, as the benefits become clearer over time.
Another way to reduce fuel burn is to take advantage of tailwinds. By cruising with the wind behind at 210kts indicated, VMO-40, and about 84%NL, the Q400 can burn less than 400kg per hour. This is particularly ideal in 90Kt tailwinds, and it allows the aircraft to be quicker in descent, enabling an extra rotation per day.
Additionally, planning for a speed of 20kg/min or 1200kg/hr is recommended, although when cruising at FL250, fuel burn can drop to under 1000kg/hr. At this altitude, the Q400 can maintain a speed of Vmo-10 at around 1000kg/hr or Vmo-20 at around 900kg/hr.
Furthermore, the Bombardier Q400 Fuel Efficiency Manual provides valuable insights into maximising fuel efficiency. It covers flight planning considerations such as aircraft weight and balance, which can have a significant impact on fuel burn.
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Frequently asked questions
The Bombardier Q-400 has a fuel burn rate of 2,667 lbs/hr. This can be improved to 730 kilos per hour if the power levers are adjusted to maintain an indicated airspeed of 210kts.
The Q-400 fuel consumption is around 664 US gallons or 4,447 pounds when flying 600 nautical miles at 18,000 feet at a fuel-saving option achieving maximum cruise range speed.
At 25,000 feet, the Q-400 has a total fuel flow of approximately 1,100 kilos per hour.
