Viking Air (Aircraft Display) has clinched US certification for the De Havilland DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter, adding to the list of nine countries already recognising the type since the programme was launched in 2007.

The approval paves the way for delivery of the first of three twin-engined turboprops to the US Army Golden Knights parachute team. The Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34-powered aircraft is en route to Viking's Murrieta, California-based service centre partner, Ikhana Group, where it will undergo a military modification featuring an in-air operable main cabin door and parachute-compatible wall-mounted utility seats.

British Columbia, Canada-based Viking is also gearing up to deliver the first of two Series 400s to its Russian launch customer and Viking representative, Vityaz Avia. The aircraft will be the first to incorporate optional wheel/ski and intermediate flotation landing gear, as well as special extreme cold weather operational kits, according to Viking.

Viking is displaying a Series 400 at the show en route to launch customer Zimex Aviation of Switzerland. The aircraft - the second in the Zimex fleet - is equipped with a wheel gear and a standard 19-passenger interior.

Meanwhile the Argentinian government has awarded Viking with a four-year contract to oversee the repair and modification of the nine legacy Twin Otters - dubbed the T-85 - operated by its armed forces. Viking says it will supply project oversight, auditing, engineering support, maintenance training, component overhaul, avionics modernisation and factory spares for the duration of the contract.

Source: Flight Daily News

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