De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) unveiled a new variant of its turboprop-twin short takeoff and landing (STOL) DHC-6 Twin Otter—the Classic 300-G—at the Paris Airshow on Monday.
The company has already secured purchase agreements and letters of intent for 45 examples of the fifth-generation Twin Otter. Aircraft leasing firm Jetcraft Commercial is the launch customer, taking the first ten 300-Gs, with deliveries set to start next year.
“For over 50 years, the DHC-6 Twin Otter has stood alone as the most reliable and versatile aircraft in its class,” commented DHC CEO Brian Chafe. “After extensive consultation with our customers, we are poised and proud to take this iconic aircraft to new heights with the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G.”
The DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G retains the rugged airframe of its predecessors but incorporates new Pratt & Whitney engine technology for enhanced performance. DHC said it reduced the aircraft’s basic weight by 400 to 500 pounds, allowing for more payload or longer range. The Classic 300-G features a redesigned cabin interior, and its flight deck features the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and GFC 700 autopilot with envelope protection.