de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter

  • Period: 1960-1969
  • Uses: Prototype
  • First Flight: May 20, 1965
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

The Twin Otter, a twin-engine, modified and enlarged version of the Otter, was a successful attempt to produce a commuter airliner with parts in common with the Otter. As with all good Canadian utility aircraft designs, Twin Otters can be fitted with wheels, skis or floats. Though designed and used as intercity commuter or feeder liners, they are also operated as bush airplanes in deserts, mountains, and the Arctic, or anywhere where rugged reliability and short-take-off-and-landing capability are required.

In the Arctic Twin Otters are sometimes flown on “tundra tires” - huge, low-pressure balloon-tires that can operate on and off soft, boggy ground.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: CF-DHC-X
  • Manufacturer: de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Canada
  • Manufacture Date: 1964
  • Construction #: 1
  • Aquisition Date: 1981
  • Provenance: Donation from de Havilland Canada

The Museum Twin Otter is the prototype. It was not sold but retained by the company for test and development work. De Havilland Canada donated it to the Museum in 1981.

Specifications

Wing Span:
19.8 m (65 ft)
Length:
15.1 m (49 ft 6 in)
Height:
5.7 m (18 ft 7 in)
Weight, Empty:
2,654 kg (5,850 lb)
Weight, Gross:
4,763 kg (10,500 lb)
Cruising Speed:
248 km/h (154 mph)
Max Speed:
296 km/h (184 mph)
Rate of Climb:
503 m (1,650 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
8,230 m (27,000 ft)
Range:
1,427 km (887 mi)
Power Plant:
two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-20, 550 shp, turboprop engines