The Caribou (designated by the United States military as the CV-2 and later C-7 Caribou) was first flown in 1958 and although mainly retired from military operations, is still in use in small numbers as a rugged "bush aircraft". The de Havilland Canada company's third STOL design was a big step up in size compared to its earlier DHC Beaver and DHC Otter, and was the first DHC design powered by two engines. The Caribou, however, was similar in concept in that it was designed as a rugged STOL utility aircraft. The Caribou was primarily a military tactical transport that in commercial service found itself a small niche in cargo hauling. The United States Army ordered 173 in 1959 and took delivery in 1961 under the designation AC-1, which was changed to CV-2 Caribou in 1962. To read more about the Caribou, click here.
