aerobd.news : Aerospace engineering firm Ikhana has received FAA certification to upgrade the DHC-6-300 Twin Otter to carry up to 14,000 lbs (6350kg). The modification means that a Twin Otter can now take 19 passengers with 2 crew and fly 450-500 nautical miles. The standard commuter category Twin Otter aircraft has a MTOW (Maximum Take Off Weight) of 12,500 lbs (5670kg). The 1500 lbs (680kg), or 12% overall upgrade made possible by Ikhana’s modifications represents a 31% increase in payload based on an average empty weight of 7700 lbs (3500kg).

The certification allows for operation of the full 750 shaft horsepower of the aircraft’s PT6A-34 engines and the more efficient and quieter Raisbeck/Hartzell four blade “Scimitar” propellers. Aerodynamic and structural enhancements are also made to the aircraft as part of the upgrade. John Zublin, CEO of Ikhana said, “The FAA’s certification of our DHC-6-300 upgrade adds significant capabilities for operators to expand their mission role, optimize payload and range, add value to their aircraft, and increase revenues.”.

“This takes the aircraft well beyond its original capability.” “Big picture, it offers increased utility with a rapid return on investment. This has been a long term and intensive engineering effort for IKHANA and we are pleased that this long-awaited enhancement is now approved and available on the market.”

source : Aerospace Testing International