de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter

  • Period: Postwar (1945-1959)
  • Uses: Transport
  • First Flight: December 12, 1951
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

The Otter had good load-carrying ability, great reliability, and excellent short take-off-and-landing capabilities, all of which recommended it for both civil and military use. The US Army and US Navy used Otters and the RCAF operated 69, some of which served overseas on United Nations duties. Otters also served with nine other air forces, and civilian versions flew in 36 countries. About 450 were made.

The Otter was built in response to a need for an aircraft like the Beaver, but twice as large. Otters were too large and expensive for small operators, but found favour with larger organizations. Otters were used to develop the water-bombing techniques so common today.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 9408 (RCAF)
  • Manufacturer: de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Canada
  • Manufacture Date: 1960
  • Construction #: 370
  • Aquisition Date: 1983
  • Provenance: Transfer from CAF

This Otter was built in 1960 and went to the RCAF the same year. It served with reserve squadrons and two search-and-rescue units before being transferred to the Museum in 1983.

Specifications

Wing Span:
17.7 m (58 ft)
Length:
12.8 m (41 ft 10 in)
Height:
4 m (13 ft)
Weight, Empty:
2,398 kg (5,287 lb)
Weight, Gross:
3,628 kg (8,000 lb)
Cruising Speed:
222 km/h (138 mph)
Max Speed:
258 km/h (160 mph)
Rate of Climb:
305 m (1,000 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
5,730 m (18,500 ft)
Range:
1,545 km (960 mi)
Power Plant:
one Pratt & Whitney S1H1-G Wasp, 600 hp, radial engine