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de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver

The Beaver was designed and built in response to the demands of Canadian bush operators. With its all-metal construction, high-lift wing, and flap configuration, the Beaver was a robust aircraft with excellent short take-off-and-landing capability even with heavy loads. In addition to its success in Canada, the Beaver found acceptance in as many as 60 other countries all over the world. Although not ordered by the RCAF, some 980 served with distinction in the US Army and US Air Force. About 1600 were made.

The Beaver was such a success that more were built than any other aircraft designed and manufactured in Canada. In 1951 it won both the US Air Force and US Army competitions for a utility aircraft. Many were used in Korea, where it was known as the “general’s jeep”.

Museum Example

The Museum example is the prototype — the very first Beaver — and was still being flown by a northern operator when purchased by the Museum in 1980.

Specifications

Wing Span:
14.6 m (48 ft)
Length:
9.2 m (30 ft 4 in)
Height:
2.7 m (9 ft)
Weight, Empty:
1,293 kg (2,850 lb)
Weight, Gross:
2,313 kg (5,100 lb)
Cruising Speed:
209 km/h (130 mph)
Max Speed:
258 km/h (160 mph)
Rate of Climb:
311 m (1,020 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
5,490 m (18,000 ft)
Range:
756 km (470 mi)
Power Plant:
one Pratt & Whitney R-985 AN-14B Wasp Jr., 450 hp, radial engine

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.