DHC-6 Twin Otter vs F406 Caravan II

Overview

The DHC-6 Twin Otter and the F406 Caravan II are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Reims-Cessna respectively.

Top speed is 315 km/h for the DHC-6 Twin Otter vs 423 km/h for the F406 Caravan II. The DHC-6 Twin Otter has an operational range of 1,480 km vs 2,135 km for the F406 Caravan II. The F406 Caravan II operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 7,620 m for the DHC-6 Twin Otter.

The DHC-6 Twin Otter has been produced in 985 units vs 99 for the F406 Caravan II. Unit cost is $7M for the DHC-6 Twin Otter vs $3M for the F406 Caravan II. The DHC-6 Twin Otter first flew 18 years before the F406 Caravan II (1965 vs 1983).

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
French civilian utility aircraft, operational since the 1980s, frequently used for surveillance, cargo transport, and passenger services.
Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan II Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Reims-Cessna
First flight 22 September 1983
Year introduced 1985
Number produced 99 units
Average unit price $3 million
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—‰
Wing area 24.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.1 m â—‰
Height 4.0 m â—‰
Length 12.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 423 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,135 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,144 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,246 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,283 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 187 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or F406 Caravan II?
The F406 Caravan II is faster with a maximum speed of 423 km/h compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 315 km/h, a difference of 108 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or F406 Caravan II?
The F406 Caravan II has a longer range at 2,135 km compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 1,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or F406 Caravan II?
The F406 Caravan II 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 F406 Caravan II?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the F406 Caravan II's 4,246 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or F406 Caravan II?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter is longer at 15.8 meters compared to the F406 Caravan II's 12.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or F406 Caravan II?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter is more expensive at approximately $7.0 million per unit compared to the F406 Caravan II at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or F406 Caravan II?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter entered service first in 1966, 19 years before the F406 Caravan II which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-6 Twin Otter or F406 Caravan II?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter has been produced in greater numbers with 985 units compared to 99 units of the F406 Caravan II.