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deHavilland CC-115 BUFFALO
The DHC-5 "Buffalo" STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) utility transport is a product of a cost sharing agreement between the United States, Canada and deHavilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd.
Early in May of 1962, the U.S. Army invited twenty-five aircraft manufacturers to submit plans for a proposed STOL tactical transport. deHavilland won the competition with an improved follow-up version of the CV-2 that featured an enlarged fuselage, turbine power, and increased payload capacity. Designated the CV-7A by the U.S. Army, the Buffalo's main tactical task is to fly artillery, trucks, troops and supplies into short strips of unprepared land. Depending upon its intended role, the Buffalo accommodates payloads of over five tons. The commercial version can seat 44 passengers. The military type can carry 41 fully equipped troops or 35 paratroopers. For evacuation purposes, 24 litters and 6 seats can be transported. Its general dimensions coupled with a rear-loading door and adjustable ramp facilities, permits fast loading and unloading of bulky cargoes, vehicles and machinery.
The then RCAF acquired fifteen aircraft between 1965 and December 1968. No. 429 Squadron, based at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec, was formed to operate the aircraft. The task of the newly acquired aircraft was to be in support of ground operations as a medium weight tactical transport with Mobile Command. On September 1, 1970 No. 429 Squadron was disbanded with the Buffalo's going to No. 440 Squadron and No. 424 Squadron, as well, four Buffalo aircraft, on a rotational basis, were assigned to No. 116 Air Transport Unit (452, 460, 461 and 463) which operated from Ismailia, Egypt in support of UN operations. During these operation one aircraft no. 115461 was shot down by a Syrian Air Force surface-to-air missile on August 9, 1974. In 1975 the Buffalo's role was changed from Tactical Transport to Search and Rescue, it replace the outgoing Albatross and Dakota aircraft in this role. The Buffalo was operated by Nos. 424, 442, and 413 squadrons in Search and Rescue. In 1992 Nos 424 and 413 gave up their Buffalos for SAR equipped CC-130 Hercules aircraft leaving No. 442 Squadron on Vancouver Island as the sole operator of the type. The Buffalo is still flown by 442 Squadron from CFB Comox on Vancouver island in the Search & Rescue and medium transport role. The unique handling characteristics of the Buffalo make it particularly suited to the rugged terrain of the rocky mountains. The Buffalo replacement tender is currently underway with either the CASA-295 or C-27J Spartan the most likely contenders.
| Manufacturer: | DeHavilland Canada : designed and built |
| Crew/Passengers: | 2 Pilots, 1 Flight Engineer, 1 Navigator and 2 Search & Rescue Techs. 41 fully equipped troops or 35 paratroopers |
| Power Plant: | Two 3,060 ESHP General Electric 2CT64-820-3 engines |
| Performance: | Max Speed: 227 kts (421 km/h) Long range cruising speed, 200 mph Service Ceiling: 27,500 ft (8,382 m) Range: 650 nm (1205 km) |
| Weights: | Empty: (Transport ) 27,000 lb (12,247 kg) Gross: 45,000 lb (22,317 kg) (SAR) 29,500 lbs (13,381 kg) |
| Dimensions: | Span: 96 ft (29.26 m) Length: 79 ft (24.08 m) Height: 28 ft 8 in (8.73 m) Wing Area: 945 sq ft (87.8 sq m) |
| Armament: | None |
| Cost: | $1,935,000 |
