The DHC-4 Caribou has been one of the most versatile and successful military, short take off and landing transport aircraft of the late 50s through to the early 90's.
Much of its success is owed to its powerful twin Pratt and Whitney R2000 14 cylinder radial engines, heavily reinforced landing gear and rugged airframe construction.
Capable of carrying up to 4 tonnes of cargo or troops and their equipment and cruising at 145 kts with a range of over 2100 km, it served with distinction during the Vietnam war with both US and Australian airforces.
The Caribou's high mounted tailplane featured a large rear loading ramp, while its inverted gull wing configuration delivered extraordinary lifting capability for short take offs and landings. The US Army were so impressed they purchased 159 of the aircraft. The Australian government soon followed with an order for 18.
The Caribou carried two Sperry, Engine Thrust Indicators (one for each engine) which were mounted on either side, at the top of the aircraft's main engine panel directly above the engine temperature gauges.
The Indicators enabled the pilot and copilot to preset and monitor its engines thrust output depending on 3 main flying modes: 'Take Off', Climb' or 'Cruise'.
Through a combination of adjusting the aircraft's throttle and fuel mix, the engine's thrust could be increased or decreased with allowances made for heavy loading or emergency manoeuvres.
The small 'Index Set' knob at the bottom left of the Indicator, when twisted, moves a small point around the outside of the dial, transitioning through a colour-coded and labeled background providing a visual indication for the pilot as the throttles and fuel mixes were adjusted to reach the required thrust output.
Combined with an extremely detailed hand-crafted and painted 1/72 scale model of the iconic DHC-4 Caribou perched atop the units mango-wood display stand and with a high quality double sided printed and laminated Fact Sheet this original Vietnam War artefact would make an amazing gift for any aviation enthusiast.
Your DHC-4 Caribou, Sperry, Engine Thrust Indicator, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
The 1/72 scale hand-built and airbrushed plastic model is available with 'wheels up or wheels down' options with a choice of two Squadron markings and camouflage.
The 1/72 scale is also available with rear cargo door down and a highly detailed, custom built cargo bay area with seating included for an additional $40. Click on Cargo Bay option
*** Please note that the DHC-4 Caribou 1/72 model is extremely rare with kit production finishing in the late 80's making this Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable an absolute 'one-of-a-kind'.
Upon order placement you will receive an email asking for your preferred configuration.
Your complete Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable is securely packed and delivery normally takes between 6 - 8 weeks approx.
Did you fly, crew or maintain a DHC-4 Caribou or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.