IATA DHCICAO DHC4

De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou

De Havilland Canada

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Rugged STOL utility transport built for austere airstrips.

First flight

1958

Category

Military/utility STOL transport

Seating

Up to 32 troops or equivalent cargo

Range

2,103 km

Engines

Two Pratt & Whitney R-2000-7M2 radial piston engines

Status

Mostly retired, limited civil service

The De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou is a twin-engine, piston-powered STOL (short takeoff and landing) military utility transport developed in the late 1950s. Designed to operate from unprepared and extremely short airstrips, it features a high-wing configuration, large rear cargo door, and robust fixed undercarriage well-suited to rough-field operations. The Caribou was widely used by military operators worldwide, most notably the United States Army and Air Force during the Vietnam War era, as well as the Royal Australian Air Force and Canadian Armed Forces. Its ability to carry vehicles, cargo, or troops into forward operating locations made it invaluable in combat and humanitarian roles. Production ended in 1973 after 307 aircraft were built. While largely retired from military service, a small number of Caribous continue to operate with civil and government operators in remote regions, valued for their unmatched STOL performance.

Notable operators

Primary operators included the United States Army, United States Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Notable facts

›A total of 307 aircraft were built between 1958 and 1973.
›The US Army originally operated the Caribou, but the fleet was transferred to the US Air Force in 1967.
›It was one of the last piston-engined transport aircraft ordered by Western militaries.
›The Caribou served extensively during the Vietnam War supplying remote forward bases.
›Its rear-loading ramp allows for straight-in cargo loading and air delivery of supplies.