Viking Certifies Turbine Conversion for twenty-first century DHC-3 Otter

Citation

(2009), "Viking Certifies Turbine Conversion for twenty-first century DHC-3 Otter", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2009.12781fab.027

Viking Certifies Turbine Conversion for twenty-first century DHC-3 Otter

Article Type: News and views From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 6

Transport Canada recently issued Supplemental Type Approval SA08-17 to Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia for the installation of the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 or PT6A-35 turbo prop engine on the DHC-3 Otter, approved to FAR Part 23, Amendments 23-1 through 23-55.

The original de Havilland factory Otter's Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-1340 engine is now replaced with the higher 750 hp turbine engine with Hartzell 3 blade full feathering reversible propeller. In addition to the new engine and prop configuration, the modification encompasses improvements to design with new composite cowls, incorporation of a gross weight increase to £9,000 lbs, optional panoramic windows and optional extended range fuel tank. The modification involved an update to virtually every major system of the aircraft.

Viking's position as the OEM for the type provides for a seamless mesh of the changes with the aircraft's original design, without compromising function or durability. Combined with Viking's experience and extensive design development of the DHC-2 Turbo Beaver conversion, the Viking Turbine Otter is arguably the best single engine utility turboprop option for operators on the market.

The Viking Turbo Otter is approved for operation on wheels, skis, amphibious or straight floats, under both day and night VFR and IFR conditions. The increased horsepower and higher useful load will improve upon the versatility and reliability of an airframe already popular amongst operators due to its robust design and performance capabilities.

“Our engineering and modification team have worked tirelessly over many years to design and certify a true turbo-prop aircraft with the useful load, range and modem systems one would expect from an aircraft certified in 2009,” commented David Curtis, Viking President and CEO.

Curtis added, “This isn't a piston aircraft masquerading as a turbo-prop, but a purpose built turbine aircraft that is rugged, useful and ready to serve in multiple roles around the world and certified to the latest FAR23 standards. Viking is proud to be able to add the Viking Turbo Otter to a stable full of popular and reliable STOL aircraft, which includes the new DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter.”

It is also reported that in a signing ceremony held at the recent Paris International Air Show at Le Bourget, France, Viking Air Limited of Victoria, BC, Canada finalized an agreement with Altenrhein Aviation Ltd of St Gallen-Altenrhein Airport, Switzerland to be the OEM's first Factory Endorsed Service Centre for the Twin Otter Series of aircraft.

This agreement authorizes Altenrhein Aviation to provide world class OEM backed support services for the Twin Otter program with respect to maintenance, warranty work, and Viking recognized modifications Altenrhein Aviation will be responsible for maintaining a high level of customer service, to standards set forth by Viking.

David Curtis, Viking President and CEO, and Friedrich Gothsche, CEO and Accountable Manager for Altenrhein Aviation, were on hand to execute the agreement. Said Curtis, “Viking recognizes that Altenrhein Aviation has provided high quality Twin Otter support activities in the past, and is looking forward to further enhancing those services through a strong relationship with the OEM. As we begin to deliver new Twin Otters having partners such as Altenrhein Aviation will be absolutely critical to our customer's long-term success with the type.”