DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400
Viking Air · Canada · first flew 2008 · transport aircraft
The DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 is a modern relaunch of the classic 1965 STOL transport by Viking Air, retaining the proven high-wing braced airframe while fitting a glass cockpit and updated systems.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Slab-sided boxy fuselage on fixed gear, optionally fitted with floats, skis or tundra tyres just like the original |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Modern production restart of the classic Twin Otter with a glass Garmin G950 cockpit replacing the original steam gauges
- High straight braced wing with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turboprops — same basic layout as the 300 series
- Slab-sided boxy fuselage on fixed gear, optionally fitted with floats, skis or tundra tyres just like the original
Externally almost identical to the original Series 300 — the glass cockpit instruments are not visible from outside. Look for new-build quality (cleaner paintwork, sharper panel lines) and modern prop blades; registration date will confirm a Series 400.
Specifications
- The DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 has a length of 15.77 m (52 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 19.81 m (65 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 338 km/h (210 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
De Havilland Canada built 844 Twin Otters in the Series 100 through 300 between 1965 and 1988. Viking Air of Victoria, British Columbia acquired the type certificate and restarted production as the Series 400 in 2008, with the first new-build aircraft flying that year. The revival was driven by continued strong demand from island and bush operators worldwide.
Variants
The 400 is available in wheeled, float, amphibious and ski configurations. A stretched 19-seat Series 400 and dedicated medevac and maritime patrol fits broaden the mission scope beyond the standard commuter variant.
Where you'll see it
Loganair ordered Series 400 aircraft to continue its legendary Barra beach-runway service, operating from the only scheduled air service in the world that uses a tidal beach as the primary runway. The Series 400 also serves other Scottish island and remote routes.
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