De Havilland U-6A Beaver

Published May 29, 2015

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DAYTON, Ohio -- De Havilland U-6A Beaver at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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DAYTON, Ohio -- De Havilland U-6A Beaver at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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DAYTON, Ohio -- De Havilland U-6A Beaver in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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. Although flown mostly by the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force employed more than 200 U-6As, primarily for aeromedical evacuation. However, the USAF also used the U-6A aircraft for courier service, passenger transport, light cargo, reconnaissance, rescue and aerial photography missions. The U-6A saw USAF service in both the Korean and Southeast Asia Wars.

The museum acquired the U-6A on display in 1980. It carries markings typical of USAF L-20/U-6 aircraft during the late 1950s and 1960s.

TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: None (provisions for two racks under each wing capable of carrying one 250-lb. bomb or chemical tank on each rack)
Engine: One Pratt & Whitney R-985 of 450 hp
Maximum speed: 163 mph
Range: 455 miles
Span: 48 ft.
Length: 30 ft. 4 in.
Height: 10 ft. 5 in.
Weight: 5,100 lbs. loaded
Serial number: 51-16501

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Find Out More

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Pratt & Whitney R-985 Engine

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View the U-6A on Display

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De Havilland U-6A Beaver

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