DHC-4 Caribou light transport
The Royal Australian Air Force DHC-4 Caribou is a versatile tactical
light transport aircraft, capable of very short take-off and landings
on unprepared runways. Its main operational role is tactical air
transport in support of the Australian Army.
The Caribou is operated by No 38 Squadron from RAAF Base Townsville.
The Caribou is a twin-engined high-wing monoplane with full-span
double-slotted Fowler flaps and fully-reversible propellers, which
allow it to achieve its trademark steep approach and very short
take-offs and landings. The high wing and distinctive high placement of
the tail provide easy access to a large cargo compartment, while the
low-pressure tyres permit operation on unprepared runways.
It is the last piston-engined aircraft in the Air Force and is our
only aircraft to employ the Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System
(LAPES), where up to 2000kg of sled-mounted cargo is extracted from the
aircraft by a parachute from a metre above the ground.
The Caribou is equipped with GPS satellite navigation and
night-vision equipment, giving it the capability to operate in any
weather, day or night, to either land or drop soldiers and equipment by
parachute with pinpoint accuracy. The Caribou is not pressurised and is
not fitted with auto-pilot or weather radar.
Since 1997 the Caribou has participated in famine-relief operations
in Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya during Operations SIERRA, PLES DRAI
and AUSINDO JAYA, as well as the tsunami-relief operation in PNG in
1999 and operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands since 1999.
Although introduced in 1964 and employed in the Vietnam War, the
Caribou is still recognised as one of the most capable short-haul
transport aircraft in the world.
Related links
de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou technical specifications
| Manufacturer |
De Havilland Canada |
| Role |
Light tactical transport |
| Crew |
Two pilots, flight engineer |
| Engine |
Two Pratt and Whitney radials (2000
horsepower each) |
| Airframe |
Length: 22.5m height: 9.6m |
| Wingspan |
29m |
| Weight |
15,400kg |
| Speed |
280km/h (cruise) |
| Range |
2000km |
| Ceiling |
28,000 feet or 13,000 feet with passengers |
| Accommodation |
4 tonnes of cargo:
- two four-wheel drives or light artillery pieces
- 32 equipped troops seated
- 22 stretcher patients plus medical attendants
|
