When it comes to short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft, few are as iconic as the de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter. A mainstay in commercial aviation, and with some variants adapted for military use, the Twin Otter is favored in extreme climates like Alaska or Antarctica, where standard take-off and landing infrastructure tends to be less developed. 

Recently, de Havilland Canada introduced the newest member of the Twin Otter family, the Classic 300-G. In this article, we’ll break down what we know so far about the latest addition to the Twin Otter fleet. We’ll explore: 

  1. A brief history of de Havilland Canada
  2. Existing Twin Otter variants
  3. Twin Otter specs
  4. Specs of the new Twin Otter Classic 300-G 
  5. The future of de Havilland Canada and the Twin Otter
  6. Twin Otter aircraft sustainment at Greenwood Aerospace

Greenwood Aerospace, a leader in aviation and aerospace services, offers aircraft sustainment for DHC-6 Twin Otters to keep your fleet in the air. Our reliable supply chain of spare and replacement parts allows us to rapidly source components for your Twin Otters, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational readiness. 

As well as aircraft sustainment services, we provide: 

Contact us today, or start a quote to learn what we can do for your program. In the meantime, let’s explore the newest Twin Otter, the Classic 300-G. 

A Brief History of de Havilland Canada

The legacy of the Twin Otter Classic 300-G finds its roots in the rich history of de Havilland Canada, a pioneer in the aerospace industry. Established in 1928, de Havilland Canada has a storied past marked by innovation and a commitment to producing exceptional aircraft. The company's contributions to aviation are exemplified by iconic aircraft such as the Beaver, the Otter, and, of course, the Twin Otter. 

The journey began with the de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, a legendary bush plane celebrated for its rugged design and STOL capabilities. This success paved the way for the de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, expanding the company's footprint in the realm of versatile utility aircraft. In the 1960s, the de Havilland Canada team unveiled the DHC-6 Twin Otter, introducing a twin-engine configuration that further enhanced the aircraft's performance and adaptability. 

Over the years, the Twin Otter became synonymous with reliability, serving various roles, from passenger transport to cargo missions and even special operations. de Havilland has continued to evolve, after first being bought by Boeing in 1988 and then by Bombardier in 1992. In 2019, Longview Aviation Capital purchased DHC and breathed new life into the brand’s fixed-wing aviation platforms. 

Existing Twin Otter Variants 

Before the announcement of the Twin Otter Classic 300-G, the lineage of the Twin Otter series had seen various iterations, each contributing to its reputation as a versatile and reliable turboprop aircraft. In this section, we explore the existing Twin Otter variants, which include: 

  • Series 100
  • Series 200
  • Series 300
  • Series 400

We’ll also take a look at the militarized versions of the Twin Otter, which have unique designations and capabilities. 

Series 100 and 110

The Twin Otter journey began with the Series 100, introduced in the 1960s. Designed for short takeoffs and landings, it quickly gained popularity in regional and remote operations. This aircraft was powered by two 550 shp (410 kW) Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 turboprop engines. The Series 110 was a variant of the 100, designed to conform to British civil air regulations. 

Series 200

Building on the success of its predecessor, the Series 200 brought improvements to performance and efficiency. Introduced in 1968, it featured more powerful engines and increased payload capacity, making it a preferred choice for commuter flights and cargo transport.

Series 300

The Series 300, a milestone in the Twin Otter's evolution, introduced significant advancements in avionics and systems. The passenger capacity of this aircraft was increased from 20 to 24, and the engine was upgraded to two 680 shp (510 kW) (715 ESHP) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 turboprop engines. The Series 310 was a British variant, while the 300M was an early-stage, proof-of-concept militarized version of the standard Series 300. 

Series 400

While the Series 300 was introduced in 1969, the Series 400 was not produced until 2008, once Viking Air acquired the certifications of the then-discontinued Twin Otter from Bombardier. It featured significant upgrades, bringing the Twin Otter into the 21st century. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engines, one of the main differences of the Series 400 Twin Otter is the various landing gear options it comes with. 

The Series 400 is available with standing landing gear, straight floats, amphibious floats, skis, wheel skis, or “tundra tires,” which are intermediate floatation landing gear. Viking Air also had plans to develop a 17-seat seaplane variant of the Series 400, known as the 400S, but this was never produced. 

A DHC Twin Otter Series 400 parked on a runway
Image Source

UV-18 Military Variants

Beyond civilian applications, the Twin Otter has served U.S. military needs under its UV-18 designation. Six UV-18A Twin Otters were delivered to the Alaska National Guard and added to the U.S. Army aircraft inventory to replace the Short C-23 Sherpa. In 2019, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory added a UV-18A to its Scientific Development Squadron One fleet. 

The UV-18B is a parachute training aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 98th Flying Training Squadron. Three of these aircraft are used for free-fall parachute training, and the Academy Parachute Team uses the aircraft year-round for various parachuting operations. 

The de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter

The Twin Otter has not only weathered the test of time but has continued to evolve through various series, culminating in the latest addition, the Classic 300-G. Let’s take a look at the original Twin Otters, including their specs, history, and main roles. 

Twin Otter Specifications

These specs are taken from the Twin Otter 300, though all versions have fairly similar features: 

  • Cockpit crew: 1-2
  • Seating: 20
  • Length: 51 ft 9 in
  • Height: 19 ft 6 in
  • Wingspan: 65 ft
  • Empty weight: 7,415 lb
  • Max. takeoff weight: 12,500 lb
  • Operational ceiling: 25,000 ft

With a short takeoff distance and excellent maneuverability, the Twin Otter is well-suited for operations in challenging terrains, including remote regions and mountainous areas.

History of the Twin Otter

The history of the Twin Otter traces back to the 1960s when it was first introduced as a rugged and dependable utility aircraft. Series 100, 200, and 300 were all produced in the 1960s, with Series 300 production continuing until 1988. After Series 300 production wrapped up, the remaining tooling was purchased by Viking Air, another Canadian company. 

In 2006, Viking Air purchased the type certificates for the Twin Otter from Bombardier Aviation, which gave Viking the exclusive rights to produce new Twin Otter aircraft. Shortly thereafter, Viking announced that it would be developing the Series 400, which was a successful rejuvenation of the Twin Otter, though production halted following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the Classic 300-G was announced. 

Main Roles of the Twin Otter

The Twin Otter has served a multitude of roles, showcasing its versatility. From passenger and cargo transport to medical evacuation and surveillance missions, the aircraft's design allows it to excel in various scenarios. Its short takeoff and landing capabilities make it particularly valuable for reaching remote and austere locations, where other aircraft might struggle to operate effectively.

One of the primary advantages of the Twin Otter is that it could be delivered directly from the factory with tricycle landing gear, floats, or skis already fitted. It was used widely as an adaptable bush plane known for its reliability in remote areas and remains a common aircraft used in many rural areas around the world, primarily for passenger transport and medical evacuation. 

Is the Twin Otter Still in Production?

Viking Air is still producing the Twin Otter Series 400, though its future remains unclear following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Viking used 3D printing to produce some of the plastic components of the Twin Otter in an effort to cut manufacturing costs. In 2022, the company announced that a review was ongoing to assess the Series 400 program and supply chain challenges, and to determine the future of the aircraft. Today, the cost of a Twin Otter Series 400 is $7.5 million. 

The New Twin Otter: Introducing the Classic 300-G

Viking Air, now operating under de Havilland Canada, announced in 2023 that production had started on a new Twin Otter. Designated the DHC-6 Classic 300-G, this version is modeled on the original Series 300, rather than the newer Series 400 produced by Viking Air in the 2000s. Here’s what we know so far about the new Twin Otter. 

New Twin Otter Classic 300-G Specs

The Classic 300-G is believed to have similar technical specs as the original Twin Otter Series 300, although it will weigh 300-400 lbs less than its predecessor. This means the 300-G will be able to carry an increased payload or enjoy an increased flying range with the same payload. The weight reduction comes from using newer aircraft materials and parts and from the Garmin avionics, which weigh less than the Honeywell systems used in the Series 400s. 

The 300-G will feature the same rugged airframe as the other Twin Otter variants, making it a great option for passenger transport in rural and remote locations. According to DHC, the lighter-weight 300-G will reduce running costs for operators. As with other Twin Otters, the 300-G will be capable of carrying both passengers and cargo. 

In terms of its engine, the 300-G will be available with either the PT6A-27s or the PT6A-34s. The former is considered the more economical option, while the latter is designed for challenging environments and extreme operations. The 300-G will be available with either traditional landing gear or floats and skis. 

Key Differences

The 300-G will feature an all-new Garmin avionics suite, as well as a glass cockpit and other modern upgrades. The Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite delivers wireless cockpit connectivity, improved situational awareness, and visual approach capabilities. The 300-G also features upgraded safety features, including a fully integrated autopilot system. 

All in all, the 300-G differs from previous Twin Otters with its: 

  1. Increased payload and range
  2. New and improved flight deck
  3. Choice of engine options
  4. Re-designed cabin interior
  5. Reduced operating costs 

Plus, operators can choose from a variety of landing gear, including: 

  1. Standard wheels
  2. Floats
  3. Amphibious floats
  4. Wheel skis
  5. Skis
  6. Intermediate floatation gear
A West Coast Air DHC-6 Twin Otter on the water
Image Source

The aircraft’s interior has a flexible design that can be configured depending on the specific needs of the operator. Options include: 

  1. All-passenger interior configuration
  2. All-cargo interior configuration
  3. Quick change configuration
  4. Dual-class configuration
  5. VIP configuration
  6. Paratroop configuration
  7. Special mission configuration

The aircraft can also be equipped for both dual or single-pilot operation. 

Production Timeline

When the Twin Otter Classic 300-G was first announced at the Paris Air Show in 2023, de Havilland Canada confirmed that it had secured purchase agreements and letters of intent for an initial 45 aircraft. It’s understood that production began in 2023, leading to the creation of over 170 jobs in Calgary, Alberta, and Victoria, BC. While the exact production schedule is unclear, it’s expected that the first Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft will be delivered sometime in 2024. 

Who has Ordered the Twin Otter Classic 300-G?

To date, aircraft leasing company Jetcraft Commercial has requested 10 aircraft, while Indian airline flybig submitted a letter of interest to purchase 10 Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs. Swiss airline Zimex, the first commercial operator of the Twin Otter Series 400, signed a purchase agreement for two new Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft. Currently, these are the only publicly announced deals. 

The Future of de Havilland and the Twin Otter

As the release of the Twin Otter Classic 300-G draws closer, it raises broader questions about the future trajectory of de Havilland Canada and its renowned aircraft lineup. Let’s take a second to explore the prospects and future endeavors of de Havilland, both in terms of its other aircraft offerings and the developmental plans on the horizon for the Twin Otter.

Other de Havilland Aircraft

While the Twin Otter has been a focal point of attention, de Havilland Canada has a diverse portfolio of aircraft that contribute to its legacy. Many are no longer in production, but DHC is still producing some quality aircraft that are being used around the world in various settings. 

The de Havilland Dash 8, for example, has carved its niche as a reliable regional turboprop, connecting communities and serving various operators worldwide. By 2014, 844 Dash 8s were in service, though production has since been halted due to the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the Twin Otter, the future of the Dash 8 remains unclear. 

de Havilland Canada also has a focus on fire-fighting aircraft, including the CL-215T, CL-415, and DHC-515. These amphibious aircraft were originally built by Canadair and are designed for aerial firefighting, but can also perform additional roles like search and rescue and personnel transport. 

Future Plans for the Twin Otter

The future of the Twin Otter likely hinges on the success of the Classic 300-G, as the original Series 100, 200, and 300 are no longer in production. While the Series 400 Twin Otters are still currently being produced, it seems that de Havilland has fulfilled a majority of contractual obligations and outstanding backorders, so it’s unclear whether production of this aircraft will continue. Once the initial Twin Otter Classic 300-Gs are released later in 2024, the future of the Twin Otter should become clearer. 

Twin Otter Aircraft Sustainment at Greenwood Aerospace

The Twin Otter is known for being a robust aircraft, and many of the earlier models are still going strong. However, with aging aircraft comes the inevitability of breakdowns and the increasing costs of maintenance. At Greenwood Aerospace, we provide aircraft sustainment services to keep your Twin Otters safe and mission-ready. 

Our Services and Experience

Keeping your Twin Otter fleet healthy is essential, especially because so many of these aircraft operate in extreme conditions and climates like Alaska and Antarctica. Our expert aircraft sustainment services are designed to reduce your costs and expenses associated with downtime by keeping your Twin Otters in peak condition. 

Our vast network of reliable spare parts ensures we have a steady supply chain, even as parts become scarce for older aircraft models. We’ll save you significant time by using our network to source quality, reliable, original and after-market parts for your Twin Otters. We can quickly source aircraft equipment, part kits, and mission-essential items.

With over four decades of experience working with the largest defense contractors and government agencies in the United States, you can trust our team to deliver timely results and exceptional customer support. Contact Greenwood Aerospace today to learn what we can do for you and your Twin Otters. 

The Twin Otter 300-G: A Fresh Take on an Old Classic

In theory, the 300-G will combine cutting-edge advancements with time-tested reliability. The Twin Otter has been a mainstay for more than 50 years, and these exciting new updates could lead to the Classic 300-G becoming an extremely popular STOL aircraft solution for remote environments. From Alaska to Antarctica, the Twin Otter has shown its worth. Let’s see whether the 300-G can live up to the elite reputation of its predecessors. 

Remember: Greenwood Aerospace is your go-to for Twin Otter aircraft sustainment, as well as parts procurement for many different fixed-wing aircraft. Whether you need government contracting services or replacement parts for an aging fleet, our team can make it happen. 

Contact us today to discuss your aviation or aerospace program’s requirements. 

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