The fixed-gear twin-engine Twin Otter first flew in 1965 powered by Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-2 engines. The DHC-6-300 was fitted with more powerful PT6A-27 engines. The Twin Otter ended production in 1988.
The Twin Otter was designed as a utility aircraft. The fixed gear can be transferred from wheels to floats to skis (i.e., standard, amphibious and snow). In addition to passenger and cargo operations, Twin Otters are used in roles such as air ambulance and maritime surveillance. The aircraft is reliable and dependable and is in use in many remote areas of the world. When operations are needed from the water, snow, or unimproved airstrips in remote locations, few aircraft meet the challenge as well as the Twin Otter.
Viking Aircraft purchased the manufacturing rights to the Twin Otter from de Havilland aircraft and is resuming production with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 engines with the -35 engines optional.
