Type Certification Is The Culmination Of A Three-Year Program

Viking Air of Victoria, BC, Canada has received Transport Canada Type Certification for the DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter. Under an amendment of the Type Certificate Data Sheet A-82, the Series 400 Twin Otter has been added to the approved types list of 100, 200, and 300 Series aircraft. The receipt of the amended Type Certificate adding the Series 400 is the culmination of a three year process of facility construction, prototyping, development, manufacturing, testing and certification that started when the program was announced in 2007.

David Curtis, Viking president and CEO, commented "It is hard to express in words how important achieving this milestone is, not only for everyone at Viking, but for our stakeholders and supply chain partners as well."  He added, "We are writing the next chapter in the long history of de Havilland Aircraft in Canada, and thank our customers who have remained loyal even through one of the toughest economic environments in recent memory."

The first new Viking production Series 400 Twin Otter, MSN 845, completed certification testing in late June, and was ferried from Viking's corporate head quarters on the west coast of Canada to the Farnborough Air Show for hand-over to launch customer Zimex Aviation of Switzerland.

"We believe in the product, we believe in Viking, and our trust will be proven when our new Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft enters revenue service" stated Hugo Kopp, Managing Director of Zimex Aviation. "The Twin Otter Series 400 is perfectly suited to our severe operational environment, and our customers are excited about the potential of this brand new aircraft and the addition of MSN 845 to our fleet."

The Series 400 Twin Otter incorporates over 800 changes developed to modernize and improve upon the value and safety of the original production model, of which the most significant change is the integration of the Honeywell Primus Apex avionics suite. The updated flight deck features two primary flight displays (PFDs) and two multifunction displays (MFDs) with high resolution LCD screens, providing wider viewing ability and cross cockpit scanning. The Primus Apex's flexible architecture supports the aircraft's unsurpassed capability with a comprehensive software package, allowing each customer the ability to select the configuration suited for their specialized operating environment.

Other changes include upgraded Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 engines, use of composite materials, light weight  interior, simplified  electrical and LED lighting systems, also value added options such as de-ice and air-conditioning.

Like its predecessor, the Series 400 Twin Otter will continue to operate from remote and unimproved airfields. Available on standard landing gear, optional straight or amphibious floats, skis, wheel skis, or intermediate flotation (Tundra) gear, with multiple interior configurations, the Series 400 Twin Otter is a versatile aircraft that can be utilized for operations such as sub-arctic research, parachute training, regional commuters, and private use.

A military version of the Series 400, the Guardian 400, has been developed for special mission and government operations. The medium range maritime patrol and critical infrastructure platform can be outfitted with an electro-optical and infrared imaging turret, 360 degree digital colour radar system, extended range internal fuel tank, crew observation stations, and air operable cargo door.

Viking says it currently has a backlog estimated over $200M in new aircraft sales, ordered by a global customer base of military, commercial, and private operators. Most recently announced was the multi-aircraft purchase agreement with the Vietnamese Navy, making Viking the first fixed wing and first western based aircraft manufacturer to sell to the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense.

FMI: www.vikingair.com