IATA DHRICAO DH2T

De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Turbo-Beaver

De Havilland Canada

TravelerPulse profile

Turbine-powered evolution of a legendary bush plane.

First flight

1963

Category

STOL utility turboprop

Seating

6–7

Range

1,160 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, developed to improve performance and reliability in demanding bush operations. By replacing the radial piston engine with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop, the aircraft gained significant improvements in power, fuel efficiency, and hot-and-high performance. The Turbo-Beaver was produced in limited numbers and is particularly valued for its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, allowing operations from unprepared strips, floats, and skis. It serves remote communities, charter operators, and wilderness outfitters where conventional airport infrastructure does not exist. Today, surviving Turbo-Beavers remain in active service with small regional and charter operators, particularly in Canada, Alaska, and other remote regions. The type is no longer in production but commands high value on the used aircraft market due to its rugged utility.

Notable operators

Operated primarily by small bush and charter operators in Canada and Alaska, including Kenmore Air and various Canadian wilderness services.

Notable facts

›The Turbo-Beaver is a factory turboprop conversion of the piston DHC-2 Beaver, not an entirely new design.
›Approximately 60 Turbo-Beavers were built by De Havilland Canada between 1963 and 1968.
›The aircraft retains the same STOL characteristics as the original Beaver, capable of operating on wheels, floats, or skis.
›The PT6A turboprop engine replacement significantly increased power output compared to the original Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial piston engine.
›Surviving airframes are highly sought after and often command prices exceeding those of newer competing aircraft.