Specifications

Manufacturer:	De Havilland Canada
Year/Model:	1953 U-6A Beaver (originally known as the L-20A until 1962)
S/N:	53-2817
Tail Number:	532817
Power Plant:	One Pratt & Whitney R-985 of 450 hp
Wingspan:	48 feet
Length:	30 feet 4 inches
Height:	10 feet 5 inches
Gross Weight:	5,100 pounds loaded
Maximum Speed:	163 mph
Maximum Range:	455 statute miles
Service Ceiling:	20,000 feet
Crew:	2
Status:	Static Display
Owner:	Estrella Warbirds Museum

U-6A in Flight

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History

This aircraft was last on display at the Camp San Luis, California Air National Guard. Transferred to Estrella Warbirds Museum, December, 2024. Pending restoration.

From 1952-1960, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada manufactured the U-6A (designated L-20 until 1962), delivering nearly 1,000 to the United States' armed services. The US Army took delivery of 53-2817 on March 16, 1954.

The de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engined, high-wing, propeller-driven, STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada, primarily known as a bush plane. It is used for cargo and passenger hauling, aerial application (crop dusting and aerial topdressing), and has been widely adopted by armed forces as a utility aircraft. The United States Army purchased several hundred (desginated the U-6); nine DHC-2s are still in service with the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) for search and rescue. A Royal New Zealand Air Force Beaver supported Sir Edmund Hillary's expedition to the South Pole. Over 1,600 Beavers were produced until 1967 when the original line shut down.

In addition to its use in civilian operations, the Beaver has been widely adopted by armed forces as a utility aircraft. The United States Army purchased several hundred aircraft; nine DHC-2s are still in service with the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) for search and rescue. By 1967, over 1,600 Beavers had been constructed prior to the closure of the original assembly line. Various aircraft have been remanufactured and upgraded. Additionally, various proposals have been made to return the Beaver to production.