de Havilland DH.104 Dove

The postwar light transport built for short regional routes.

Overview

de Havilland United Kingdom ICAO: DOVE 1945–1967 $30,000 (1945)

The de Havilland DH.104 Dove was a British light transport aircraft developed shortly after World War II. Designed for short regional services, it offered improved comfort and performance compared with earlier piston transports. The aircraft became widely used by airlines and military operators.

Live Fleet Activity (DOVE)

📡

Fetching live data…

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × de Havilland Gipsy Queen 70 Mk.3
Engine type
Piston
Power
2 × 400 hp · 298 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
11 economy · 45 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
39 ft 3 in  ·  11.96 m
Tail height
13 ft 4 in  ·  4.06 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 3 in  ·  1.60 m
Wing span
57 ft 0 in  ·  17.37 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
8,950 lb  ·  4,050 kg
Max landing weight
8,500 lb  ·  3,850 kg
Max payload
2,000 lb  ·  900 kg
Fuel capacity
260 gal · 1,000 L · 700 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
200 kt  ·  230 mph  ·  370 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
64 kt  ·  74 mph  ·  119 km/h
Range
929 nm  ·  1,070 mi  ·  1,720 km
Fuel burn
3.52 nm/gal  ·  1.72 km/L
Ceiling
21,700 ft  ·  6,600 m
Rate of climb
1,135 ft/min  ·  6 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
(/) tap to zoom
(/)
de Havilland DH104 Dove 8 ‘D-INKA’.

Live fleet activity details

📡
Fetching live data…
All Active Aircraft Types
Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

de Havilland DH.104 Dove — light twin-engine transport

The Dove first flew in 1945 as a successor to the de Havilland Dragon Rapide. It featured an all-metal low-wing design and retractable landing gear, marking a modern step forward in light transport aircraft. The type entered airline service in the late 1940s.

Powered by two piston engines producing approximately 330 horsepower each, the Dove cruised at around 170 knots (315 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was roughly 8,700 pounds (3,950 kg). Typical seating capacity ranged from 8 to 11 passengers.

The Dove saw service with airlines, air forces, and private operators around the world. Its straightforward design and reliable performance ensured widespread adoption. The aircraft remains a representative example of early postwar regional aviation.