Beaver's first flight with V12 power

A de Havilland Beaver powered by a V12 diesel engine has made its first flight with Canadian operator Sealand Aviation.

The DHC-2 Beaver took off from Campbell River regional airport, powered by the RED A03 V12 Jet-A compression ignition engine which is said to produce 550hp.

The RED V12 replaces the Beaver’s usual engine, a Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior producing 450hp. The nine-cylinder radial was last produced by Pratt & Whitney in 1953, hence the need to find an alternative power unit.

The V12 Beaver “led to a remarkable short take-off distance and a steep climb,” said a statement from RED. “The JET-A solution is the answer to the future 100 LL restrictions.”

First flight for the V12 powered Beaver

Other benefits are said to be:

• Fuel consumption reduced
• Increased performance and climb
• Increased range
• Reduced carbon footprint
• SAF is an option

Sealand Aviation installed the RED A03 to a DHC-2 Beaver airframe in their facilities on Vancouver Island. As well recognised specialists, they are well known for an impressive range of DHC-2 conversions, modifications and maintenance.

Sealand and RED teamed-up to make this happen, so the maiden flight was a milestone to step into the flight testing for the STC process which will be offered by Sealand Aviation soon for other operators.

Sealand Aviation