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DHC-6 Twin Otter vs DHC-8 Dash 8

DHC-6 Twin Otter vs DHC-8 Dash 8 at a glance — top speed 315 vs 451 km/h, range 1,480 vs 1,600 km, max takeoff weight 5,670 vs 15,649 kg, built 985 vs 1,258 units.

De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-6 Twin Otter
De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-8 Dash 8
Specifications
DHC-6 Twin Otter DHC-8 Dash 8
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada De Havilland Canada
First flight 20 May 1965 20 June 1983
Year introduced 1966 1984
Number produced 985 units 1258 units
Average unit price $7 million $27 million
Wing area 39.0 m² 54.4 m²
Wingspan 20.0 m 26.0 m
Height 6.0 m 7.5 m
Length 15.8 m 22.0 m
Maximum speed 315 km/h 451 km/h
Operational range 1,480 km 1,600 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m 9,144 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg 15,649 kg
Empty weight 3,175 kg 14,787 kg
Total thrust 2 x 410 kW 2 x 1,342 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-6 Twin 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-6 Twin Otter's 315 km/h, a difference of 136 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has a longer range at 1,600 km compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 1,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-6 Twin 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-6 Twin Otter's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-6 Twin 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-6 Twin Otter's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is longer at 22.0 meters compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 15.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 is more expensive at approximately $27 million per unit compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter at $7.0 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter entered service first in 1966, 18 years before the DHC-8 Dash 8 which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or DHC-8 Dash 8?
The DHC-8 Dash 8 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,258 units compared to 985 units of the DHC-6 Twin Otter.