DC-3 vs DHC-6 Twin Otter

The DC-3 and the DHC-6 Twin Otter are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Douglas and De Havilland Canada respectively. Top speed is 413 km/h for the DC-3 vs 315 km/h for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. The DC-3 has an operational range of 2,540 km vs 1,480 km for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. The DHC-6 Twin Otter operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 13,154 kg MTOW, the DC-3 is 2.3x the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 5,670 kg. The DC-3 has been produced in 10,174 units vs 985 for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. Unit cost is $0.08M for the DC-3 vs $7M for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. The DC-3 first flew 24 years before the DHC-6 Twin Otter (1941 vs 1965).

American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 23 December 1941
Year introduced 1936
Number produced 10174 units
Average unit price $0.1 million
Canadian utility aircraft, vital in civil and military operations worldwide since the 1960s, famous for its STOL capabilities.
De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 20 May 1965
Year introduced 1966
Number produced 985 units
Average unit price $7 million
Wing area 91.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.0 m â—‰
Height 5.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 413 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,540 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,071 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,450 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 875 kW â—‰
Wing area 39.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 20.0 m â—‰
Height 6.0 m â—‰
Length 15.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 315 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,480 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,175 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 410 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DC-3 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DC-3 is faster with a maximum speed of 413 km/h compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 315 km/h, a difference of 98 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DC-3 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DC-3 has a longer range at 2,540 km compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 1,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the DC-3 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the DC-3 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DC-3 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,154 kg compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the DC-3 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DC-3 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 15.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DC-3 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter is more expensive at approximately $7.0 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the DC-3 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 30 years before the DHC-6 Twin Otter which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DC-3 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 985 units of the DHC-6 Twin Otter.