C-7 Caribou deHavilland

deHavilland C-7 Caribou
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The Canadian-designed and produced de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou (known in the U.S. military as CV-2 and C-7 Caribou) was designed as a specialized transport with short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. The 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.
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Design and development:
de Havilland Canada'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. 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 then changed to CV-2 Caribou.
The majority of Caribou production was destined for military operators, but the type's ruggedness and excellent STOL capabilities also appealed to a select group of commercial users. US certification was awarded on 23 December 1960. Ansett-MAL, which operated a single example in the New Guinea highlands, and AMOCO Ecuador were early customers, as was Air America, (a CIA front in South East Asia during the Vietnam War era for covert operations). Other civil Caribou aircraft entered commercial service after being retired from their military users.
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Type: Light Transport
Crew: 3
Manufacturer: de Havilland Canada
Models: see variants

Maiden flight: July 30, 1958
Service Delivery: 1961
Number built:N/A
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Specifications: C-7B Caribou
Powerplant:
Model: P&W R-2000-7M2 Twin Wasp
Type: 14-cylinder radial
Number: Two
Horsepower: 1,450 lb. each
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Dimensions:
Length: 72.58 ft (22.12 m)
Wingspan: 95.58 ft (29.13 m)
Height: 31.66 ft (9.65 m)
Wing area: 912 ft² (84.7 m²)

Weights:
Empty: 18,260 lb (8,283 kg)
Loaded: 31,000 lb (14,198 kg)
Max takeoff: N/A
Performance:
Maximum speed: 216 mph (348 kph)
Range: 1,307 mi (2,103 km)
Service ceiling: 24,800 ft (7,559 m)
Rate of climb: 1,355 ft/min (413 m/min)
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Sources:
Wikipedia: C-7 Caribou