Vietnam's special Twin Otter seaplane

Canada has built new Twin Otter seaplanes for the Vietnamese Navy, equipped with some fancy mechanical and avionic systems.

Image of a seaplane equipped with special rolling doors of the Vietnam Navy.

According to observations, the standard door of the Viking Twin Otter with serial number MSM 884, built for the Vietnam Navy Air Force, has been replaced with a roll-up door.

Viking Air says the door is made from alternating panels of flexible plastic and gray painted boards.

Photographer Martin, who took the photo of the DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane with registration number MSM 884, said that the new door design on this aircraft is very suitable for the mission of parachuting soldiers in airborne operations.

In addition, it can also be used to transport the most VIP passengers in the military and state.

Previously, a DHC-6 Twin Otter numbered N869VK of the Vietnam Navy Air Force was also found equipped with a secret aviation system right under the nose of the aircraft.

Viking Air has not revealed what that system is, but it looks like a modern electro-optical observation system module. The four remaining Twin Otters are basically the same, differing only in the buoyant landing system that allows for takeoff and landing on water.

According to the contract to order 6 Twin Otters from Canadian company Viking Air in 2010, Vietnam will receive 3 in VIP passenger transport configuration and the remaining 3 will be optimally configured for transport and maritime surveillance operations.

According to the terms of the signed contract, in 2013, the Vietnam Navy received the first Twin Otter seaplane. Meanwhile, the remaining 5 Twin Otters were also completed and tested by the Canadian company since the end of 2013. All 5 of these seaplanes will be handed over to the Vietnam Navy this year.

To provide maximum support to Vietnam in the flight and maintenance training (FMT) program for Twin Otter seaplanes. In addition to implementing this program for customers in Victoria, BC (where Viking Air is headquartered).

The Canadian company has also brought to Vietnam a team of flight instructors and technical staff to support Vietnamese pilots in their FMT program at the naval air base located in Cam Ranh Bay (Nha Trang).

The DHC-6 Twin Otter is a highly reliable aircraft that can be used in all terrains, especially in harsh weather conditions.

The seaplane is equipped with sensors for agility and versatility, and it also carries an electro-optical system, an infrared system with 360-degree scanning and a color digital radar system. The flight range is increased by using an auxiliary fuel tank.

Thus, with the first Twin Otter being put into service and all five remaining Twin Otters currently undergoing testing for early delivery, the Vietnam Navy Air Force will soon have a modern maritime patrol aircraft squadron, strengthening the power to protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands.

According to Dat Viet