CC-138

CC-138. The CC-138 was a STOL-capable utility transport aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Based on the commercially successful de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, it served primarily in the austere environments of Northern Canada. Its long service life was dedicated to supporting Canadian Armed Forces operations, Search and rescue missions, and logistical support for remote communities and North Warning System sites.

Development and design

The aircraft was derived directly from the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, a renowned design from the manufacturer's facility in Downsview, Ontario. The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired the type to fulfill a requirement for a rugged, short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft capable of operating from unprepared strips in the Arctic and other remote regions. Key design features included fixed tricycle landing gear, powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engines, and a high-lift wing system. These modifications allowed it to perform reliably in extreme cold weather conditions, supporting operations from bases like Yellowknife and CFB Trenton. The acquisition complemented other tactical transports in the fleet, such as the CC-130 Hercules and the CC-115 Buffalo.

Operational history

Entering service in the 1970s, the CC-138 was operated primarily by 440 Transport Squadron out of Yellowknife Airport. Its primary missions included logistical resupply to Canadian Forces Station Alert and other Distant Early Warning Line sites, sovereignty patrols in the Arctic Archipelago, and direct support for Canadian Rangers patrols. The aircraft was instrumental in numerous search and rescue operations across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, often operating in conjunction with CH-146 Griffon helicopters. Throughout the Cold War, it played a vital role in demonstrating a persistent government presence in the far north. The fleet was gradually retired in the 2020s, with its roles being assumed by other assets like the CC-295 Kingfisher.

Variants

The CC-138 fleet consisted of a single variant, equivalent to the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300. All seven airframes were configured for utility transport with provisions for skis, which were essential for winter operations on snow and ice. No dedicated maritime patrol, electronic warfare, or specialized reconnaissance versions were developed for the Royal Canadian Air Force, unlike other aircraft in the inventory such as the CP-140 Aurora. The aircraft's standard configuration included accommodations for passengers, cargo, or medical evacuation litters, providing flexibility for its diverse mission set across Northern Canada.

Operators

The sole military operator was the Royal Canadian Air Force, under the broader command of the Canadian Armed Forces. The aircraft were assigned to 440 Transport Squadron, which was part of 17 Wing Winnipeg and operated from a forward base in Yellowknife. No examples were exported to other national air forces or transferred to civilian operators like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or Environment and Climate Change Canada. Following retirement, the aircraft were disposed of through the Crown Assets Distribution program.

Specifications (CC-138)

* **Crew:** 2 (pilot, co-pilot) * **Capacity:** Up to 20 passengers or equivalent cargo * **Length:** 15.77 m (51 ft 9 in) * **Wingspan:** 19.81 m (65 ft 0 in) * **Height:** 5.94 m (19 ft 6 in) * **Powerplant:** 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 turboprop engines * **Maximum speed:** 338 km/h (210 mph, 182 kn) * **Range:** 1,702 km (1,058 mi, 919 nmi) * **Service ceiling:** 8,140 m (26,700 ft) * **Takeoff distance (STOL):** Approximately 300 m (984 ft)

Category:Royal Canadian Air Force transport aircraft