De Havilland Twin Otter Enhances Danish Home Guard Operations
Denmark’s Home Guard is set to bolster its operational capabilities with the addition of two De Havilland Twin Otter short takeoff and landing (STOL) utility aircraft. These planes have been specially modified for patrol duties and will play a crucial role in supporting both defense and police forces across the country. The Twin Otters have been secured through an eight-year leasing agreement, during which they will provide vital services such as surveillance and search operations, particularly in collaboration with the European border agency, Frontex.
The new aircraft will replace two Britten-Normann Defender transport planes, which were leased in 2015 and have logged around 6,800 flight hours. Colonel Klaus Qvis, the Air Military Capabilities Officer of the Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, emphasized the significance of this acquisition, stating, “We are presenting the outcome of a tender based on robust and extensive multiyear cooperation between the Home Guard Command, the Danish Air Force, and the Ministry of Defence’s Materiel and Procurement Board.” He highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the Defender aircraft as a strong foundation for the introduction of the Twin Otters.
Advanced Surveillance Capabilities
The Twin Otter aircraft come equipped with state-of-the-art camera and sensor technology, enabling them to conduct all-day monitoring over vast areas of land and sea. This modern equipment is essential for enhancing situational awareness during operations. Furthermore, the aircraft’s low-speed mode allows for extended flight durations, which is particularly advantageous when coordinating missions with ground forces.
In addition to their surveillance capabilities, the STOL characteristics of the Twin Otters allow for operations from shorter runways, significantly improving operational flexibility. Once they achieve full operational capability in early 2025, the aircraft will be stationed at Roskilde and Aalborg airports, ensuring they are ready for swift deployment when needed.
A Commitment to Enhanced Safety
Colonel Dennis Thagaard, Chief of the Air Home Guard, remarked on the importance of the new aircraft, stating, “The new aircraft exemplifies how the right equipment is vital for delivering effective outcomes that enhance the overall performance of the Armed Forces and increase safety for the Danish people.” This statement underscores the strategic value placed on modernizing the Home Guard’s fleet to meet current and future challenges.
The De Havilland Twin Otter features an airframe that stretches up to 52 feet (16 meters) in length with a wingspan of 65 feet (20 meters), depending on its configuration. The aircraft has a payload capacity of approximately 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms) and can carry 2,500 pounds (1,134 kilograms) of fuel, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engines. These engines generate up to 750 horsepower, allowing the Twin Otter to reach speeds of 180 knots (21 miles/33 kilometers) per hour, an altitude of 25,000 feet (7,620 meters), and a range of 800 nautical miles (921 miles/1,482 kilometers).
