In
1956, de Havilland Canada began work to develop a DC-3 size aircraft
with the STOL capabilites of the Beaver. The prototype DHC-4
Caribou first flew in 1958. The Royal Canadian Air Force
designated its Caribous the CC-108.
The U.S. Army began purchasing the DHC-4 in 1961
for tactical airlift to forward battle areas. The Army first
designated the Caribou the AC-1 then changed the designation
to CV-2 in 1962. The Air Force assumed responsibility
for all fixed-wing tactical aircraft in 1967 and again redesignated
the Caribou...this time as the C-7. The Caribou saw
action during the Vietnam conflict.
Production ended in 1973 after over 300 were
built.
