IATA DHPICAO DHC2

De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver

De Havilland Canada

TravelerPulse profile

Legendary bush plane built for remote wilderness operations.

First flight

1947

Category

Utility piston/turboprop

Seating

6–7

Range

1,252 km

Engines

Single Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial piston engine (or turboprop conversion)

Status

In service

The De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engine utility aircraft designed for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations in remote and rugged environments. First flown in 1947, it was developed to meet the demanding requirements of Canadian bush flying, capable of operating on wheels, floats, or skis. The Beaver became one of the most celebrated utility aircraft in aviation history, serving military, civil, and commercial operators across the globe. Its robust construction, exceptional STOL performance, and ability to carry heavy loads relative to its size made it indispensable in areas lacking conventional airstrips. Production ended in 1967 after 1,657 aircraft were built. Many Beavers remain airworthy today, prized by operators in Alaska, northern Canada, and other remote regions. The type has also seen renewed interest through re-engining programs, replacing the original piston engine with modern turboprop powerplants.

Notable operators

Operated widely by bush airlines, charter operators, and tourism companies in Canada and Alaska, and historically by the U.S. Army as the L-20/U-6A.

Notable facts

›Declared one of the top ten Canadian engineering achievements of the 20th century.
›1,657 aircraft were built between 1947 and 1967.
›Capable of operating on wheels, floats, or skis.
›The U.S. military was the largest single customer, ordering over 900 aircraft.
›Viking Air of Canada acquired the type certificate and offers turboprop re-engining conversions.