Kenmore DHC2 Beaver Modifications

DHC-II Beaver Supplemental Type Certificates

Original issue de Havilland Beavers are marvelous flying machines. However, over the years Kenmore has designed improvements to make these fine aircraft even better. Following are some of our most popular STC’s for Beavers.

1Three-Blade Propeller
Due to its shorter diameter, the three-blade propeller is smoother, quieter and less subject to blade damage than a two-blade propeller. There’s also a weight saving of 56-61 pounds and a cost saving of up to 50 percent at overhaul time.
2Battery Relocation
Replacing the original battery with a smaller one and relocating it from aft of the cabin to the firewall offers four advantages:
  • Empty weight is reduced by up to 72 pounds
  • Center of gravity is moved forward
  • Battery can be warmed along with the engine during winter pre-heating
  • Extra space is available for baggage
3Alternator System
In this modification, we replace the original, heavy generator with a lightweight 50-amp alternator that features solid-state control units. The kit lowers the aircraft empty weight by up to 33 pounds and provides battery charging at a lower RPM.
4Baggage Compartment
In conjunction with the battery relocation, we can convert the original battery area into space for an additional 75 pounds of baggage. The old battery compartment door becomes a baggage door for inserting smaller items from outside; larger bags are loaded within the cabin.
5Gross Weight Increase Kit

With this improvement, your gross weight increases to 5370 pounds, a useful load increase of 270 pounds for a landplane and 280 pounds to a floatplane.

Special Requirements/Considerations: For DHC-2 Mk I with EDO 4930 floats and wing tip fuel tanks.

6Three-Place Center Seat

Most Beavers served in the military and have just two individual seats in the center of the cabin. Our three-place center seat allows full seating capacity as permitted by the original airplane certification. It can be mounted to either a civilian or military floorboard and has a hinged back for easy access to the rear. For convenience in accommodating cargo or a stretcher, you can remove one half (either side) of the seats.

Special Requirements/Considerations: When one section of the seat is removed, the remaining section will accommodate only one passenger.

7Enlarged Rear Windows
Our large, rectangular rear windows replace the original porthole windows, greatly improving visibility for both passengers and the pilot.
1Bubble Cabin Door Windows

Sightseeing zooms with installation of “bubble” – type windows n the cabin doors because passengers can view surface objects normally invisible through flat windows. Bubble windows also provide extra shoulder room when three passengers sit abreast in the center seat.

Special Requirements/Considerations: Not for use on doors with slide opening windows.

2Seaplane Fins
Ever bump the dock with a ventral-mounted seaplane fin? To minimize that problem, we developed smaller fins mounted higher on each outboard end of the horizontal stabilizer. The smaller overall surface of the fins helps reduce the airplane’s weathervaning tendency in a crosswind.
3Float Hatch

Beaver pilots who want maximum baggage capacity will be interested in our float-hatch kit, which provides access to a compartment in one or both floats. Weight limit is a generous 100 pounds per float. The float compartments are ideal for carrying fish or other cargo inappropriate for the cabin.

Special Requirements/Considerations: Approved for EDO 4580 and 4930 floats (non-amphibian) only.

4Water-Rudder Steering

Our water -rudder steering system for the Beaver utilizes the modern tailwheel steering concept and results in superior control and reliability. The old-fashioned steering stubs are eliminated.

Special Requirements/Considerations: For DHC-2 Mk I and Mk III

5Floatplane Strut Bar Steps

The Kenmore “V”-bar step system provides a flat surface on the ladder rungs to help prevent slipping while entering or leaving the cabin or cockpit. The kit contains steps for both sides of the cabin and cockpit, including an intermediate step for the pilot side. Construction materials eliminate the rust problem common with the original ladder system.

Special Requirements/Considerations: For DHC-2 Mk I and Mk III

6Amphibian Breaks

In cooperation with Cleveland Wheels and Brakes, we’ve developed an improved amphibian wheel and brake combination using aluminum wheels with dual brake discs and dual brake assemblies. Even when wet, the brakes stop the airplane quicker-without brake fade-than other systems.

Special Requirements/Considerations: For Beaver and Turbo Beaver amphibians mounted on EDO 4580 or 4930 floats

Get in touch

705-983-4771

[email protected]

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