DHC-6 Twin Otter vs PC-6 Porter

Overview

The DHC-6 Twin Otter and the PC-6 Porter are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Pilatus respectively.

Top speed is 315 km/h for the DHC-6 Twin Otter vs 244 km/h for the PC-6 Porter. The DHC-6 Twin Otter has an operational range of 1,480 km vs 730 km for the PC-6 Porter. The PC-6 Porter operates at altitudes up to 10,000 m compared to 7,620 m for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. At 5,670 kg MTOW, the DHC-6 Twin Otter is 2.0x the PC-6 Porter's 2,800 kg.

The DHC-6 Twin Otter has been produced in 985 units vs 604 for the PC-6 Porter. Unit cost is $7M for the DHC-6 Twin Otter vs $0.06M for the PC-6 Porter. The PC-6 Porter first flew 6 years before the DHC-6 Twin Otter (1959 vs 1965).

DHC-6 Twin Otter

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
→ View full DHC-6 Twin Otter details

PC-6 Porter

Swiss light utility aircraft, renowned for its versatility and ruggedness, extensively utilized in remote areas for cargo transport and search and rescue missions.
Pilatus PC-6 Porter Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Pilatus
First flight 4 May 1959
Year introduced 1960
Number produced 604 units
Average unit price $60K
→ View full PC-6 Porter details

DHC-6 Twin Otter

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 205 kW â—‰

PC-6 Porter

Wing area 30.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.9 m â—‰
Height 3.2 m â—‰
Length 10.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 244 km/h â—‰
Operational range 730 km â—‰
Service ceiling 10,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,800 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,260 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 410 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or PC-6 Porter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter is faster with a maximum speed of 315 km/h compared to the PC-6 Porter's 244 km/h, a difference of 71 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or PC-6 Porter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter has a longer range at 1,480 km compared to the PC-6 Porter's 730 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or PC-6 Porter?
The PC-6 Porter has a higher service ceiling at 10,000 meters (32,808 ft) compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or PC-6 Porter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the PC-6 Porter's 2,800 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or PC-6 Porter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter is longer at 15.8 meters compared to the PC-6 Porter's 10.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or PC-6 Porter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter is more expensive at approximately $7.0 million per unit compared to the PC-6 Porter at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or PC-6 Porter?
The PC-6 Porter entered service first in 1960, 6 years before the DHC-6 Twin Otter which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or PC-6 Porter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter has been produced in greater numbers with 985 units compared to 604 units of the PC-6 Porter.

Related Comparisons

DHC-6 Twin Otter vs An-2 Colt DHC-6 Twin Otter vs 737 DHC-6 Twin Otter vs DC-3 DHC-6 Twin Otter vs PA-34 Seneca DHC-6 Twin Otter vs PA-31 Navajo DHC-6 Twin Otter vs 208 Caravan
2025 GlobalMilitary.net • About • Privacy • Terms • Dark theme