Ikhana Gives Significant MTOW Increase to Twin Otter

Ikhana Aircraft Services has achieved a Supplemental Type Certificate that allows the Twin Otter to fly with an addition 1,500 pounds of payload. The Standard Commuter Category STC for the DHC-6-300 brings the Maximum Takeoff Weight limit to 14,000 lbs. “The FAA’s certification of our RWMI DHC-6-300HG upgrade adds significant capabilities for operators to expand their mission role, optimize payload and range, add value to their aircraft, and increase revenues,” said said Ikhana’s president and CEO John A. Zublin.

The increased MTOW allows for operations at full power – 750 shp – provided by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6A-34 engines. The STC also includes new scimitar propellers – a joint design by Raisbeck and Hartzell that Ikhana claims improves efficiency and reduce noise.

“A Twin Otter can now take 19 passengers with two crew and fly 450 to 500 nautical miles,” Zublin said. “Big picture, it offers increased utility with a rapid return on investment.”

Based at the French Valley Airport in Murrieta, California, Ikhana also provides engineering mods for Gulfstreams and King Airs, as well as heavy maintenance, major repair and parts manufacturing.