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DHC-3 Otter vs DHC-8 Dash 8

De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-3 Otter
De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-8 Dash 8
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Specifications
DHC-3 Otter DHC-8 Dash 8
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada De Havilland Canada
First flight 12 December 1951 20 June 1983
Year introduced 1953 1984
Number produced 466 units 1258 units
Average unit price $600K $27 million
Wing area 35.0 m² 54.4 m²
Wingspan 18.0 m 26.0 m
Height 3.8 m 7.5 m
Length 12.8 m 22.0 m
Maximum speed 257 km/h 451 km/h
Operational range 1,540 km 1,600 km
Service ceiling 5,730 m 9,144 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,629 kg 15,649 kg
Empty weight 2,010 kg 14,787 kg
Total thrust 1 x 447 kW 2 x 671 kW
Performance Radar Chart

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).

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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.