U-1A Otter

Developed by DeHavilland of Canada, the U-1A Otter was built as a larger version of the successful U-6A Beaver. The Army began purchasing the aircraft in 1955 and planned to use this all-metal, high wing plane as a light tactical transport. Its transport role soon gained it the nickname "airborne one-ton truck" because of its 2,240 pound cargo capacity. The Otter was versatile and could be adapted for use in the arctic or tropics, in addition to normal missions, by using wheels, skids, or floats. It was one of the first types of Army aircraft deployed to South Vietnam in February 1962. A U-1 Otter assigned to the 18th Aviation Company, 45th Transportation Battalion served in Vietnam from July 1, 1962 until September 24, 1963, and Otters served in Vietnam throughout the entire war and in other regions across the globe for more than 20 years. DeHavilland ceased production of the Otter in 1968 after building 468 aircraft, including 223 produced under the designation U-1A for the United States Army. The U-1A Otter 55-3270 was later used by the United States Army Aviation Logistics School at Fort Eustis for training after returning from Vietnam and was declared excess in 1973.

Newport News, Virginia · United States