DeHavilland L-20 (U-6A) Beaver

Originally designed as a utility aircraft for service in Canada’s rugged north, this plane was valued by both the U. S. Army and Air Force. Some 980 were purchased by the U.S as L-20s. It could be fitted with skis or with floats and was used for observation and light transport duties. Though not very fast (163 mph maximum), they were quick to get off the ground. A fully loaded L-20 could clear a 50 ft. obstacle while using only 1200 feet of runway. It could carry 7 passengers or up to 1,500 lbs of cargo.

The Beaver was redesignated as U-6 in the uniform military aircraft designation of 1962