IATA DHRICAO DH2T

De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Turbo-Beaver

De Havilland Canada

TravelerPulse profile

Turbine-powered evolution of a legendary bush aircraft.

First flight

1963

Category

Regional turboprop

Seating

Range

1,252 km

Engines

Single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-6 or PT6A-20 turboprop

Status

In service

The De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Turbo-Beaver is a turboprop conversion of the original piston-engined DHC-2 Beaver, designed for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations in remote and demanding environments. The conversion replaced the radial piston engine with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop, significantly improving performance, reliability, and payload capacity. The Turbo-Beaver was developed in the 1960s and found particular use among bush operators, charter services, and regional carriers in Canada, Alaska, and other remote regions where its STOL capability and floatplane versatility were highly valued. It can operate on wheels, skis, or floats, making it exceptionally adaptable. Relatively few purpose-built Turbo-Beavers were manufactured, with De Havilland Canada producing a limited number alongside field conversions performed by third parties. Despite its age, surviving examples remain in active service with small regional and charter operators around the world.

Notable operators

Operated primarily by small bush and charter operators in Canada, Alaska, and New Zealand, including Kenmore Air.

Notable facts

›The Turbo-Beaver was a factory turboprop conversion of the piston DHC-2 Beaver.
›De Havilland Canada produced approximately 60 factory-built Turbo-Beavers.
›It retains the exceptional STOL performance of the original Beaver design.
›The aircraft can be fitted with wheels, floats, or skis for versatile operations.
›Many conversions were also carried out by third-party operators beyond factory production.