Jazz Aviation first to operate Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited and Jazz Aviation LP announced Thursday that Jazz will be the first operator for the recently approved Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter. Under the agreement, Jazz has ordered the Service Bulletin and conversion kits for up to 13 Dash 8-400 aircraft.

“The reconfiguration of Dash 8-400 aircraft into Simplified Package Freighters can be quickly achieved by the removal of seats and seat track covers in the passenger cabin. The reconfiguration, which includes the use of up to 17 nets will provide a potential total payload of up to 17,960 pounds and a total cargo volume of up to 1,150 cubic feet per aircraft," said Todd Young, Chief Operating Officer, De Havilland Canada. "We will work with Jazz to quickly put their Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighters into service and look forward to supplying this solution to other Dash 8-400 aircraft operators around the world to assist in the re-deployment of their fleets to meet the growing demand for airlift of essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Army to replace reconnaissance equipment aboard Dash 7/8 aircraft

The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., intends to solicit and award a contract for a period of five years for the Airborne Reconnaissance Low - Enhanced (ARL-E) system.

The ARL-E system will replace nine ARL-Multifunction (ARL-M) systems with nine ARL-E systems by upgrading the air platform from existing Dash 7 to Dash 8-315 Quick Reaction Capability aircraft.

The ARL-E will provide tactical commanders the ability to persistently monitor their operational environment, allowing them to rapidly identify, track and respond to potential threats.

It is anticipated that the Request for Proposal will be released in February.