The De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou is a versatile twin-engine, high-wing STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft that was designed primarily for military and cargo operations. First flown in 1958, the Caribou was intended to operate in rough, undeveloped areas, making it particularly suited for transporting troops, supplies, and equipment in challenging environments. With its ability to take off and land on short and unprepared strips, the Caribou became a vital asset in operations requiring access to remote or conflict zones.

Known for its durability and impressive payload capacity, the DHC-4 Caribou was widely used by military forces around the world, notably by the Canadian and Australian air forces. The aircraft’s sturdy design and rugged construction allowed it to endure harsh conditions in a wide variety of environments, from jungles to deserts, and it became famous for its reliability in both civilian and military operations. Although production ceased in 1967, the Caribou continued to serve in various roles for decades after, with some aircraft still in operation today.

Key Specifications (DHC-4 Caribou)

• Crew: 2 (Pilot and co-pilot).
• Capacity: Typically 32–39 passengers or 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) of cargo.
• Length: 18.62 m (61 ft 1 in).
• Wingspan: 28.02 m (91 ft 11 in).
• Height: 8.61 m (28 ft 3 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 11,340 kg (25,000 lb).
• Engines: 2 × Lycoming GSO-480-B1A6 turboprop engines (750 hp each).
• Cruise Speed: ~330 km/h (205 mph).
• Range: ~1,280 km (795 miles).
• Ceiling: 7,620 m (25,000 ft).

Notable Features

• STOL Performance: The DHC-4 Caribou’s exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities allow it to operate from very short, unprepared runways, often with minimal ground infrastructure, making it ideal for military and civilian cargo transport in remote locations.
• Rugged Design: Built to endure rough operating conditions, the Caribou’s robust structure and simple systems made it a reliable workhorse in some of the most challenging environments, including jungles, deserts, and mountains.
• Large Cargo Capacity: Despite its relatively small size, the Caribou has an impressive payload capacity, allowing it to carry heavy cargo, such as military equipment or supplies, into areas with limited infrastructure.
• Multi-role Capability: In addition to military transport, the Caribou was also used in humanitarian missions, aerial firefighting, and civilian cargo transport. Its versatility made it a valuable asset in a variety of roles.
• Rear Cargo Door: Equipped with a large rear cargo door, the Caribou could quickly offload or load cargo, facilitating efficient transport of bulky items or vehicles, such as jeeps or supplies.

Operators & Usage

• Military Transport: The DHC-4 was extensively used by military forces, including the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Australian Army, and the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies in remote areas.
• Humanitarian & Aid Operations: Following its military service, many Caribous were converted for humanitarian missions, delivering food, medical supplies, and other aid to disaster-stricken regions.
• Civilian Cargo: The Caribou also served in the civilian market for cargo operations, providing transportation to remote and underserved regions.
• Retired & Preserved Aircraft: Many Caribous have been retired from active service and are preserved in museums or flown as vintage aircraft by enthusiasts.