BAC Aerospace and its client Avionneire Val d’Or (AVD) have advised that Transport Canada Civil Aviation has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for their Turbo-Beaver modification.
This modification is based on the legendary de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver bush plane and is potentially poised to reinvigorate bush plane operations.
The AVD Turbo-Beaver
The AVD Turbo-Beaver conversion is not just a basic adaptation; it also incorporates leading-edge technology. At its core lies the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 engine, providing an impressive 750 shaft horsepower.
The STC includes the incorporation of a “BX” wet wing, a set of Wipline 6100 amphibious floats, and a glass-cockpit Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) contributes to its enhanced performance.
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Power and Performance
Boasting a usable fuel load exceeding 210 US gallons, the AVD Turbo-Beaver stands out with its remarkable endurance of over 8 hours at a faster cruising speed.
This modification not only doubles the rate of climb of the original DHC-2 Mk I but also ensures long-range capability, making it a game-changer in the aviation landscape.
BAC Aerospace, in collaboration with Transport Canada Design Approval companies, spearheaded this ambitious certification program.
BAC Aerospace focused on systems engineering and design approval related to aircraft propulsion and interdisciplinary program integration, while Deca Aviation Engineering, SDC Consulting, and Avionics Design Services covered the full spectrum of technical disciplines involved.
Economic Boost for Val d’Or
Beyond its technical prowess, the AVD Turbo Beaver holds economic promise for the Val d’Or region. The surge in interest from legacy Beaver owners and operators has paved the way for mass production.
This not only diversifies the regional economy but also creates exciting job opportunities in the aviation sector.
BAC Aerospace Comments
Chris Baczynski, CEO and Principal Consultant of BAC Aerospace, expressed immense pride in this achievement.
He stated, “Together with AVD and our multi-company team, we are immensely proud of this achievement. The AVD Turbo Beaver represents an ambitious aircraft program of scope seldom undertaken in Canada.”
The DHC-2 Beaver
De Havilland Canada began designing the DHC-2 Beaver in 1946; company engineers surveyed bush pilots from remote communities of Northern Canada and several countries on what mattered most to them in a new aircraft.
Pilots requested a rugged and reliable all-metal aircraft capable of carrying a half-tonne payload with good takeoff, landing and climb performance.
An aircraft was called for that could operate year-round on wheels, floats or skis from isolated outposts, and exposed to climatic conditions ranging from the blazing sun to sub-zero cold, ice, and snow.
The first DHC-2 Beaver flew from the runway at Toronto’s Downsview Airport on August 16, 1947, 75 years ago this summer. De Havilland Canada produced a total of 1,692 DHC-2 Beavers over the aircraft’s 20-year production period.
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