DHC-6 TWIN OTTER is a versatile, twin-engine turboprop aircraft renowned for its Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, making it ideal for operations in challenging environments. Originally developed by de Havilland Canada in the 1960s, production ceased in 1988. In 2006, Viking Air acquired the type certificates for all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft, including the DHC-6, and resumed production in 2008 with the Series 400 model.
Key Features:
- Engine: The Series 400 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engines, each delivering 750 shaft horsepower, providing enhanced performance and reliability.
- Capacity: Typically configured to carry up to 19 passengers or 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) of cargo, depending on the mission requirements.
- Performance:
- Cruise Speed: Approximately 182 knots (337 km/h).
- Range: Up to 1,150 nautical miles (2,130 km) with standard fuel tanks.
- Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters).
- Design: Features a high-wing monoplane configuration with a fixed tricycle landing gear, facilitating operations from short and unimproved airstrips.
Operational Uses:
The Twin Otter is employed in various roles, including:
- Passenger Transport: Serving remote communities and regions with limited infrastructure.
- Cargo Operations: Transporting goods to areas without conventional airport facilities.
- Aerial Surveying and Photography: Utilized for environmental monitoring and mapping due to its stable flight characteristics.
- Search and Rescue: Deployed in missions requiring access to challenging terrains.
Global Presence:
The DHC-6 Twin Otter has been adopted worldwide, with operators in regions such as the Caribbean, Alaska, and Africa, where its STOL capabilities are particularly valuable. Its adaptability and reliability have solidified its reputation as a workhorse in the aviation industry.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Viking Air website.