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DHC-5 Buffalo



Overview


DHC-5A

A Canadian DHC-5A in a yellow livery for SAR duties.
Source: Ahunt - © public domain

Origin
Canada
Type
Transport aircraft
Entered service
1965
Status
Limited service
Development
Early 1960's (design project)
9 April 1964 (first flight)
Developer
Canada - De Havilland Canada
Production
1964 - 1972 (DHC-5A)
1974 - 1986 (DHC-5D)
Producer
Canada - De Havilland Canada
Number produced
123
Designations
CC-115 (Canadian service)
AC-2 / CV-7A / C-8A (US service)
Notable users
Egypt
Canada

Description


Introduction

The DHC-5 Buffalo is an early Cold War era transport aircraft of Canadian origin. It was developed in the early 1960's as a follow on to the widely sold DHC-4 Caribou. It was designed to US specifications, but the US requirement was dropped when development was complete. The DHC-5 was produced for military use, although a small number ended up in civilian use.

Design

The DHC-5 is a larger version of the DHC-4 Caribou. Whereas the DHC-4 had piston engines the DHC-5 uses turboprops. The layout remains the same with a single high lift shoulder mounted wing, two propeller engines, a double wheel tricycle landing gear and rear loading ramp.

Cargo capacity

The DHC-5 has a maximum payload capacity of 6.3 t and the cabin has been designed to carry a single Pershing missile, a M151 truck, a 105mm howitzer or 41 combat troops.

Mobility

The DHC-5 has a phenomenal STOL capability and requires as little as 300 meters of runway for take-off. The maximum speed at altitude is 435 km/h and the economic speed is 335 km/h. With limited cargo the range its range of 3.500 km is good, but at maximum payload this is reduced to only 815 km.

Users

The anticipated major US order never materialized but the DHC-5 was quite successful nonetheless. Over 15 nations acquired the DHC-5 and some remain in service today. Most users are located in Africa and North and South America.

Variants

DHC-5
Original version developed for the US Army.
DHC-5A
Slightly altered DHC-5 for Canadian use and export.
DHC-5D
New production run with more powerful engines and increased performance.

Details


Facts DHC-5A DHC-5D
General
Origin
Canada
Type
Transport aircraft
Crew
3 + 41 (pilot, copilot, crew chief, 41 passengers)
Dimensions
Length
24.08 m
Wingspan
29.26 m wingspan
9.75 m tailplane
Height
8.73 m
Wing area
87.8 m²
Empty weight
10.5 t
Max take-off weight
18.6 t
Propulsion
Engine setup
Two turboprops with 3-blade propeller
Powerplant
2x General Electric CT64-820-1 turboprop
Power output
3.055 hp each
Fuel
7.900 L
Flight characteristics
Speed
435 km/h maximum at 3 km
335 km/h economic at 3 km
Range
3.500 km with max fuel and 1.8 t payload
815 km with max payload
Climb rate
9.6 m/s at sea level
Take-off run
317 m minimum
G limits
2.5 G
Systems
Landing gear
Retractable tricycle, all double wheels
9.29m track
8.50 m wheelbase
Payload
Cargo
6.3 t maximum
Passengers
41 passengers
24 stretchers

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