Modified Dash 8 Peers into Volcano
The response to the volcanic ash crisis has proved to be an important application for the Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 operated by Iceland’s coast guard.

The response to the volcanic ash crisis has proved to be an important application for the Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 operated by Iceland’s coast guard. The aircraft was delivered last year after Canada’s Field Aviation modified it for maritime surveillance duties, and in recent months has been pressed into service to keep a watchful eye on the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

The Dash 8 is the only aircraft in Iceland with the necessary equipment to be able to pinpoint the eruption site accurately in zero-visibility conditions. The data it has gathered about volcanic activity has been invaluable to geophysicists, volcanologists, meteorologists and other specialists.