Turbo Beaver

Designed in the mid '40s the DeHaviland DHC-2 Beaver came into production in 1948. It is still used today as a "short take-off and landing" aircraft. It is such a succesful design that there are companies that are replacing the old radial engines with turbo props.

The new engines require a rebuild of the aircraft forward of the wings. A victoria, BC company has aquired the rights and tooling to produce new versions.

Due to the lighter Pratt & Whitney PT6A-6 turboprop engine: 431-kW (578-ehp)
the engine has to be mounted further forward for balance. The cockpit has been moved forward into the old engine bay resulting in more passinger space.

The old radial engines are still more economical on short trips and at lower altitudes but the turbopropd, comes into its own at higher altitudes and has at least half again as much power which considerably increases the payload.

Not bad for a craft designed 65 years ago.

Pictured here is a DHC-2 Turbo from SeaAir taxiing in Ganges Harbour, BC, Canada.