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.