The Q400 is powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW150A turboprops. Each engine is attached to six propellers, each of which are 13.5 feet long. The engines are capable of producing a combined 5,071 maximum horsepower and produce a recommended 4,580 horsepower at takeoff. The plane holds a maximum 1,724 gallons of fuel, and each engine requires eight gallons of oil.
As a regional aircraft, speed is less important in the design than fuel economy and ride comfort. As such, the Q400 has a maximum speed of 414 miles per hour -- fast by land transportation standards but much slower than intercontinental airliners, which can travel about 200 miles per hour faster. The Q400 has a range of up to 1,362 nautical miles at up to 25,000 feet above sea level. Planes like Boeing's 747 can travel up to 7,670 nautical miles at up to 41,000 feet.
The Q400 is designed to fly as a relatively nimble commercial airliner. With a full payload of passengers and luggage, the Q400 can take off and land on a 4,600-foot runway. While nearly a mile long, this recommended airstrip length is significantly shorter than the nearly two miles needed to launch and land a Boeing 747.
Modern commercial plane design puts significant emphasis on fuel consumption because of higher oil prices. As such, the Q400 is designed to haul large payloads with a relatively small amount of fuel. It can transport nearly 10 tons its full range with about 5.5 tons of fuel. This payload can include up to 70 passengers plus baggage. Its maximum takeoff weight is 64,500 lbs, and the maximum landing weight is 61,700 lbs.
