Amphibious
Sukhoi/Beriev Be-103 “Snipe”
ICAO: B103
Overview
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.
Live Fleet Activity (DHC2)
📡
Fetching live data…
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
Gallery
(/)
tap to zoom
(/)
Live fleet activity details
📡
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.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.