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de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter

1953 COLD WAR MODERN AIRCRAFT VIETNAM WAR

History

De Havilland Canada DHC-3 "Otter" evolutionary steps to early 1948 DHC-2 "Beaver" (detailed elsewhere on this page). The DHC-3 first flew on December 12, 1951, and was introduced in 1953. From 1951 to 1967, production of the series reached 466 units, with operators worldwide.

So far, Beaver has demonstrated commercial success, eventually producing around 1,657 examples. The airframe utilizes powerful features to achieve excellent STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capability. A supported high-wing main aircraft was installed with a single-engine unit in the nose. From this frame was born a larger example, the DHC-3, which continued its excellent STOL characteristics with more power. Design work began in January 1951 and led to the aforementioned first flight.

It was subsequently certified in November 1952.

Power comes from a 600 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340 air-cooled radial piston engine. The larger size allows more passengers (up to 11) to be carried, and the longer span main aircraft provides better control and additional lift/drag for short takeoffs and landings.

The landing gear is designed to replace wheel legs, floats and even skis.

Seven named models of the Otter series finally appeared. The DHC-3 was used in the initial production system while the product entered service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as CSR-123 "Otter". The U.S.

Army began its own evaluation of the platform and procured six prototypes of this type, designated the YU-1. These became the actual U-1As in service. The United States Navy (USN) followed suit and adopted the series as the UC-1. These were later renamed the U-1B after the reorganization of the U.S. military in 1962. The turboprop-powered PWC took the form of the DHC-3-T "Turbo Otter".

An example of an Airtech Canada Otter with a Polish PZL "Kalisz ASz-62IR engine is designated DHC-3/1000.

From Argentina and Australia to the United Kingdom and the United States, there are a large number of operators dedicated to DHC-3 lines. It served at both military and civilian levels, and its qualities were tested.

The DHC-3 formed the basis for de Havilland Canada's next aircraft, the DHC-6 "Twin Otter" - a twin-engine offshoot of the original detailed elsewhere on this page.