de Havilland Canada U-1 Otter

de Havilland Canada U-1 Otter:

de Havilland Canada U-1 Otter

De Havilland Canada (DHC) had such success with the DHC-2 Beaver (the ¼-ton truck) they evolved the design to a ½-ton truck for the skies — it had twice the Beaver’s capacity and became known as the Otter. DHC began producing Otters in 1951 while also manufacturing Beavers. The Otter production ended in 1967 about the same time as Beaver construction also ceased.

Like the Beaver, the U.S. Army was the major buyer of the Otter (designated the U-1 Otter) and many remain solidly in civilian service.

So, if the Beaver is an aircraft to fall in love with then what can we say about the Otter?

Twice as much to love!

Big engine, big flaps and flaperons made the Otter an STOL that could bring it! — photo by Joseph May

The de Havilland U-1 Otter in brilliant white and red livery — photo by Joseph May

A better view of the Otter showing its capacious cabin, also note the "flaperon" which is an aileron that partially deployed to increase flap surface area and lift — photo by Joseph May

This Otter is exhibited in the U.S. Army Aviation Museum — pasting this name into the search window will bring to many posts about this excellent facility and its aircraft on display.