De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (CV-2/C-7A) - Comprehensive Military Documentation Collection

Definitive Collection with Free Lifetime Updates: This is a living collection that we continuously expand and refine. As we acquire additional Caribou documentation, technical bulletins, or variant-specific materials, we update this collection and provide free lifetime updates to all purchasers. Your one-time purchase guarantees access to all future additions and improvements to this collection.

The de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou stands as one of aviation history's most capable STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) tactical transports, serving with distinction from 1961 to 1985 in U.S. military service and continuing operations with international forces and civilian operators into the 21st century. Originally designed by de Havilland Canada as a rugged bush transport, the Caribou became legendary for its ability to operate from short, unimproved airstrips in the most challenging environments—most notably during the Vietnam War, where it earned the nickname "Bou" among crews who relied on its exceptional performance to supply isolated outposts.

Historical Note - From Canadian Bush Plane to Vietnam Workhorse

The DHC-4 Caribou first flew in 1958 as de Havilland Canada's answer to the need for a twin-engine STOL transport capable of operating from remote, unprepared strips. The U.S. Army recognized its potential immediately, purchasing 56 DHC-4 aircraft in 1960 (initially designated AC-1, then redesignated CV-2A in 1962). A second production batch of 103 improved DHC-4A aircraft followed, designated CV-2B, featuring reinforced internal structure and increased maximum takeoff weight.

The Caribou's defining moment came in Vietnam (1962–1971), where it became the lifeline for Special Forces camps and remote outposts accessible only by short, rough airstrips. Its ability to land in 1,200 feet, operate from dirt strips, and deliver 8,000 pounds of cargo or 32 troops made it irreplaceable in tactical airlift operations. In January 1967, following inter-service agreements that assigned all fixed-wing tactical transports to the Air Force, all 134 surviving Army Caribous were transferred to the USAF and redesignated: CV-2A became C-7A, and CV-2B became C-7B.

The Royal Australian Air Force operated Caribous alongside U.S. forces in Vietnam from 1964 to 1972, with their fleet remaining in service until 2009. Post-Vietnam, USAF C-7As served in the Air Force Reserve through the 1970s, while some supported the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team until 1985. Of the 307 Caribous built, most now reside in museums, but a small number remain airworthy in civilian hands as of 2026, including two Vietnam-veteran aircraft operated by Australia's Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) and commercial operators in Southeast Asia and the United States.

Manuals Included in This Collection

• De Havilland CV-2B Caribou Aircraft Maintenance Checklist Manual
• De Havilland CV-2B Caribou Aircraft Pilot's Checklist Manual
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Technical Brochure Manual
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Loading Manual - PSM 1-4-1B - 1961
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Repair Manual - PSM 1-4-3 - 1963
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Maintenance Manual - PSM 1-4-2 - 1972
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Spare Parts Catalogue Manual - PSM 1-4-4 - 1959
• De Havilland CV-2 Caribou Aircraft Operator's Manual TM 55-1510-206-10
• De Havilland CV-2B Caribou Aircraft Student Workbook Manual
• De Havilland C-7A Caribou Aircraft Cargo Loading and Offloading Manual - T.O. 1C-7A-9 - 1969
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Standard Specification Manual
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Flight Manual - PSM 1-4-1A - 1971
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Overhaul Manual - PSM 1-4-5 - 1963
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Operating Manual - PSM 1-4-1 - 1961
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Certification Manual (Type Certificate Data Sheet No. 1A19)
• De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou Aircraft Operating Cost Manual
• De Havilland C-7A Caribou Aircraft Flight Manual - Performance Data - T.O. 1C-7A-1-1
• De Havilland C-7A Caribou Aircraft Flight Manual - T.O. 1C-7A-1 - 1970

This collection provides comprehensive coverage of the DHC-4 Caribou across all military variants (CV-2A, CV-2B, C-7A, C-7B) and civilian designations (DHC-4, DHC-4A), spanning U.S. Army technical manuals (TM series), U.S. Air Force technical orders (T.O. series), and original De Havilland Canada product support manuals (PSM series). The documentation covers flight operations, maintenance procedures, structural repair, parts identification, loading calculations, performance data, and certification standards—essential resources for historians, restorers, museum curators, and the small community of operators maintaining airworthy Caribous today.

Engineering Norms and Standards

The DHC-4 Caribou was originally certificated under Canadian Air Regulations (CAR) 4b by the Department of Transport Canada in 1961, with Type Certificate No. 1A19, during the era of the original De Havilland Canada (1928–1986). Military variants were modified and operated under U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force airworthiness standards, with documentation following three distinct systems: PSM (Product Support Manual) numbering from the original De Havilland Canada for civilian and baseline military aircraft, TM (Technical Manual) numbering for U.S. Army CV-2 variants, and T.O. (Technical Order) numbering for U.S. Air Force C-7A variants following the 1967 transfer.

The aircraft's design incorporated the original De Havilland Canada's proven bush-plane engineering philosophy: high-lift wings with full-span slotted flaps, robust landing gear designed for rough-field operations, and twin Pratt & Whitney R-2000 radial engines providing exceptional reliability and power. Military modifications included reinforced cargo floors, rear loading ramps, and enhanced avionics suites tailored to tactical airlift missions. Engineering standards emphasized STOL performance, structural durability for unprepared strip operations, and maintainability in austere field conditions—requirements that defined the Caribou's legendary reputation in Vietnam and subsequent service.

Note: Engine manuals (Pratt & Whitney R-2000) and component-specific documentation for systems shared across multiple aircraft types are available separately in our dedicated engine and systems sections.

Specialized Documentation

This collection includes variant-specific materials covering the evolution from civilian DHC-4 through Army CV-2A/CV-2B to Air Force C-7A/C-7B designations. The documentation reflects the aircraft's transition across three distinct operational frameworks: original Canadian civil certification under the original De Havilland Canada (1928–1986), U.S. Army tactical airlift requirements, and U.S. Air Force technical order systems post-1967 transfer.

For the small number of airworthy Caribous remaining in civilian service, operators should consult current Type Certificate holders and relevant civil aviation authorities (Transport Canada, FAA, CASA Australia) for ongoing airworthiness compliance. Note: All documentation in this collection originates from the original De Havilland Canada company era (1928–1986) and reflects the engineering standards, certification basis, and technical practices of that period.

The collection also includes historical military training materials (CV-2B Student Workbook), operational cost analysis documentation, and certification data—resources valuable for understanding the aircraft's economic and regulatory context during its service life.

Where to Find Additional Documentation

Official Support:

• Transport Canada Civil Aviation - Original certifying authority (Type Certificate No. 1A19 issued to original De Havilland Canada)
• FAA Aircraft Certification - U.S. validation of Canadian Type Certificate
• Current Type Certificate Holders - For operators of airworthy aircraft seeking current airworthiness support

Historical Archives:

• Caribou Association - Community of former military operators, maintainers, and historians preserving operational knowledge and mission histories
• Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) - Australia - Operates two airworthy Vietnam-veteran Caribous (VH-VBA, VH-VBB) and maintains extensive technical and historical archives from the original De Havilland Canada era
• National Museum of the U.S. Air Force - Dayton, Ohio - Preserves C-7A artifacts and operational documentation
• Australian War Memorial & RAAF Museum - Comprehensive RAAF Caribou operational records and technical documentation

Specialty Vendors:

• Online Aviation Library - Comprehensive digital documentation collections for DHC-4/CV-2/C-7A variants across all service periods, focusing on original De Havilland Canada (1928–1986) factory documentation
• Aviation archaeology and warbird restoration specialists - Source for variant-specific technical data and field modification documentation

Format and Delivery

This collection is delivered as high-resolution digital PDF files, organized by manual type and variant designation for easy reference. The structured folder hierarchy separates De Havilland PSM manuals, U.S. Army TM manuals, and U.S. Air Force T.O. manuals, allowing researchers and operators to quickly locate documentation relevant to specific variants and operational periods. Files are suitable for on-screen reference, printing, or integration into digital maintenance management systems.

Disclaimer

This item is sold for historical and reference only. These are either original or copies of manuals and technical documentation produced by the original De Havilland Canada (1928–1986) and U.S. military authorities when these aircraft were in active military and civilian service, now transferred into electronic format. These manuals are not meant to be used for current update material for certification/repair of airworthy aircraft, but make an excellent reference for scholars, collectors, modelers, historians, museum curators, and aviation enthusiasts.

For airworthy Caribou aircraft still in operation, operators must consult current technical data from applicable Type Certificate holders and comply with all applicable Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins from Transport Canada, FAA, or relevant civil aviation authorities.

Reference herein to any specific commercial products by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, is not meant to imply or suggest any endorsement by, or affiliation with that manufacturer or supplier. All trade names, trademarks and manufacturer names are the property of their respective owners.

This digital compilation, structure, indexing and presentation are © Sicuro Publishing.