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DHC-3 Otter vs DHC-5 Buffalo

DHC-3 Otter vs DHC-5 Buffalo at a glance — top speed 257 vs 467 km/h, range 1,540 vs 1,100 km, max takeoff weight 3,629 vs 22,317 kg, built 466 vs 122 units.

De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-3 OtterFull specs
De Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-5 BuffaloFull specs
Specifications
DHC-3 Otter DHC-5 Buffalo
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada De Havilland Canada
First flight 12 December 1951 9 April 1964
Year introduced 1953 1965
Number produced 466 units 122 units
Average unit price $600K $25 million
Wing area 35.0 m² 88.0 m²
Wingspan 18.0 m 29.0 m
Height 3.8 m 8.8 m
Length 12.8 m 24.0 m
Maximum speed 257 km/h 467 km/h
Operational range 1,540 km 1,100 km
Service ceiling 5,730 m 9,449 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,629 kg 22,317 kg
Empty weight 2,010 kg 11,412 kg
Total thrust 1 x 447 kW 2 x 2,336 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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DHC-5 Buffalo side profile drawing DHC-5 Buffalo Specs, operators & history →
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo is faster with a maximum speed of 467 km/h compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 257 km/h, a difference of 210 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-3 Otter has a longer range at 1,540 km compared to the DHC-5 Buffalo's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo has a higher service ceiling at 9,449 meters (31,000 ft) compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 5,730 meters (18,799 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 22,317 kg compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 3,629 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo is longer at 24.0 meters compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 12.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-5 Buffalo is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the DHC-3 Otter at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-3 Otter entered service first in 1953, 12 years before the DHC-5 Buffalo which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The DHC-3 Otter has been produced in greater numbers with 466 units compared to 122 units of the DHC-5 Buffalo.