DHC-2 Beaver vs DHC-4 Caribou

Overview

The DHC-2 Beaver is a Military Special Mission Aircraft built by De Havilland Canada, while the DHC-4 Caribou is a Military Transport Aircraft by de Havilland Canada.

Top speed is 254 km/h for the DHC-2 Beaver vs 346 km/h for the DHC-4 Caribou. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 2,104 km for the DHC-4 Caribou. The DHC-4 Caribou operates at altitudes up to 7,600 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver.

The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 307 for the DHC-4 Caribou. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 11 years before the DHC-4 Caribou (1947 vs 1958).

Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations.
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 16 August 1947
Year introduced 1948
Number produced 1657 units
Average unit price $400K
Canadian twin-engine short takeoff and landing (STOL) tactical transport aircraft, developed in the late 1950s and widely operated for military cargo and rugged bush operations.
de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer de Havilland Canada
First flight 30 July 1958
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 307 units
Average unit price --
Wing area 23.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.0 m â—‰
Height 2.7 m â—‰
Length 9.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 254 km/h â—‰
Operational range 732 km â—‰
Service ceiling 5,486 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight 1,361 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 336 kW â—‰
Wing area 84.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.1 m â—‰
Height 9.7 m â—‰
Length 22.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 346 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,104 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,600 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,927 kg
Empty weight 8,283 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 540 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or DHC-4 Caribou?
The DHC-4 Caribou is faster with a maximum speed of 346 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 92 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or DHC-4 Caribou?
The DHC-4 Caribou has a longer range at 2,104 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or DHC-4 Caribou?
The DHC-4 Caribou has a higher service ceiling at 7,600 meters (24,934 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or DHC-4 Caribou?
The DHC-4 Caribou has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,927 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or DHC-4 Caribou?
The DHC-4 Caribou is longer at 22.1 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or DHC-4 Caribou?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 13 years before the DHC-4 Caribou which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or DHC-4 Caribou?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 307 units of the DHC-4 Caribou.