de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter
The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter is a Canadian STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) utility aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada in the mid-1960s and still in production today. De Havilland Canada produced it from 1965 to 1988; Viking Air purchased the type certificate, then restarted production in 2008 before re-adopting the DHC name in 2022. In 2023 DHC restarted production of the 300 series, in addition to the Series 400 produced by Viking. The aircraft's fixed tricycle undercarriage, STOL capabilities, twin turboprop engines and high rate of climb have made it a successful commuter airliner, typically seating 18–20 passengers, as well as a cargo and medical evacuation aircraft. In addition, the Twin Otter has been popular with commercial skydiving operations, and is used by the United States Army Parachute Team and the 98th Flying Training Squadron of the United States Air Force.
DHC-6 Twin Otter | |
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Winair DHC-6 Twin Otter landing at Gustaf III Airport | |
Role | Utility aircraft |
Manufacturer | de Havilland Canada Viking Air |
First flight | 20 May 1965 |
Introduction | 1966 |
Status | In production |
Produced | 1965–1988 (Series 100–300) 2008–present (Series 400) 2023–present (Series 300-G) |
Number built | December 2019: 985 (844 DHC, 141 Viking) |
Developed from | de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter |