C-7 Caribou
The CV-2 Caribou
Description
Role	STOL utility transport
Crew	3
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 (B variant)	8,283 kg
Loaded	31,000 lb	14,198 kg
Powerplant
Engines	Two Pratt and Whitney R-2000-7M2 Twin Wasp 14-cylinder
Power	1,450 hp	1081 kW
Performance
Maximum speed	216 mph	348 km/h
Combat range	1,307 mi	2,103 km
Ferry range	242 mi	389 km
Service ceiling	24,800 ft (B)	7,559 m
Rate of climb	1,355 ft/min	413 m/min

The de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou (known in the US military as the C-7 Caribou) was designed as a specialized transport for STOL (short takeoff and landing). It was first flown in 1958 and delivery was taken by the United States Army in 1961. In Army hands, the craft was known as the CV-2 Caribou.

The Army purchased 159 of the aircraft and they served their purpose as a tactical transport well during the Vietnam War, where larger cargo aircraft such as the C-123 Provider and the C-130 Hercules could not land on the shorter landing strips. The aircraft could carry 32 troops or two Jeeps or similar light verhicles. The rear loading ramp could also be used for parachute dropping.

In 1967, a political decision was made by the United States Air Force who demanded that the Army turn them over as fixed-wing aircraft was the job of the Air Force. In exchange, however, the Army traded the Caribou to the Air Force in exchange for an end to the restrictions on helicopters in the Army.

Most of the C-7s have since been phased out of the military.

External link

• Global Security: C-7 / CV-2 Caribou http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/c-7.htm

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