de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

The bush plane built for short fields and remote frontiers

Overview

de Havilland United Kingdom ICAO: DHC2 1947–1967 Active $575,000 (1953)

The de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engine utility aircraft developed for rugged operations in remote regions. Designed in Canada after World War II, it became synonymous with bush flying. The aircraft’s versatility and short takeoff and landing performance made it a global workhorse.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney R-985
Engine type
Piston
Power
450 hp · 336 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
6
Crew
—
Cabin width
4 ft 0 in  ·  1.22 m
Cabin height
4 ft 3 in  ·  1.30 m
Cabin length
9 ft 0 in  ·  2.74 m
Exterior length
30 ft 3 in  ·  9.22 m
Tail height
12 ft 2 in  ·  3.70 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 3 in  ·  1.30 m
Wing span
48 ft 0 in  ·  14.63 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
5,100 lb  ·  2,300 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
2,100 lb  ·  950 kg
Fuel capacity
140 gal · 500 L · 400 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
137 kt  ·  158 mph  ·  254 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
45 kt  ·  52 mph  ·  83 km/h
Range
395 nm  ·  450 mi  ·  730 km
Fuel burn
2.84 nm/gal  ·  1.39 km/L
Ceiling
18,000 ft  ·  5,500 m
Rate of climb
1,020 ft/min  ·  5 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,250 ft  ·  380 m
Landing distance
1,250 ft  ·  380 m
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De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Mk1 ‘G-DHCZ’

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Operational Context

de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver — STOL bush utility aircraft

The DHC-2 Beaver first flew in 1947 and entered service shortly thereafter as a purpose-built bush plane. Designed in close consultation with Canadian bush pilots, it emphasized short takeoff and landing capability, rugged construction, and the ability to operate from wheels, skis, or floats. Its high-wing layout and large cargo doors supported flexible loading in remote environments.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engine producing approximately 450 horsepower, the Beaver cruises at around 130 knots (240 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 5,100 pounds (2,315 kg). The aircraft can carry up to six occupants and operate from short, unimproved strips or water surfaces.

The Beaver served in civil bush operations, military liaison roles, and humanitarian missions worldwide. Its durability and adaptability contributed to decades of production and ongoing use. Many examples remain in service, underscoring its enduring reputation as one of the most capable utility aircraft ever built.