DHC-3 Otter vs DHC-8 Dash 8

Overview

The DHC-3 Otter and the DHC-8 Dash 8 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and De Havilland Canada respectively.

Top speed is 257 km/h for the DHC-3 Otter vs 451 km/h for the DHC-8 Dash 8. The DHC-3 Otter has an operational range of 1,540 km vs 1,600 km for the DHC-8 Dash 8. The DHC-8 Dash 8 operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 5,730 m for the DHC-3 Otter. At 15,649 kg MTOW, the DHC-8 Dash 8 is 4.3x the DHC-3 Otter's 3,629 kg.

The DHC-3 Otter has been produced in 466 units vs 1,258 for the DHC-8 Dash 8. Unit cost is $0.6M for the DHC-3 Otter vs $27M for the DHC-8 Dash 8. The DHC-3 Otter first flew 32 years before the DHC-8 Dash 8 (1951 vs 1983).

DHC-3 Otter

Canadian utility aircraft, noted for its use in bush flying and rugged environments during the mid-20th century.
De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 12 December 1951
Year introduced 1953
Number produced 466 units
Average unit price $600K
→ View full DHC-3 Otter details

DHC-8 Dash 8

Canadian turboprop-powered regional airliner, widely adopted globally for short-haul commuter flights throughout the late 20th century.
De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 20 June 1983
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 1258 units
Average unit price $27 million
→ View full DHC-8 Dash 8 details

DHC-3 Otter

Wing area 35.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 18.0 m â—‰
Height 3.8 m â—‰
Length 12.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 257 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,540 km â—‰
Service ceiling 5,730 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 3,629 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,010 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 447 kW â—‰

DHC-8 Dash 8

Wing area 54.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 26.0 m â—‰
Height 7.5 m â—‰
Length 22.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 451 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,600 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,144 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 15,649 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,787 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 671 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is faster with a maximum speed of 451 km/h compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 257 km/h, a difference of 194 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has a longer range at 1,600 km compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 1,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 5,730 meters (18,799 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 15,649 kg compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 3,629 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is longer at 22.0 meters compared to the DHC-3 Otter's 12.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is more expensive at approximately $27 million per unit compared to the DHC-3 Otter at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-3 Otter entered service first in 1953, 31 years before the DHC-8 Dash 8 which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-3 Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,258 units compared to 466 units of the DHC-3 Otter.

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