File:U-1A Otter (front) 3871 (2076792096).jpg

"The DHC-3 aircraft designed and built by DeHavilland was introduced to the Army in 1953 at Fort Bragg, NC. It was designed as a big brother to the L-20A 'Beaver' and nicknamed the 'Otter'. It was also the first aircraft to be designated with a U- prefix, the U-1, under the new utility category. The U-1, was an all purpose transport vehicle that was acquired from 1955 to 1957 and used to equip the Army Aviation Transport companies. Its primary usage was for troop and cargo shuttle. The 'Otter' was able to transport either 9 fully equipped combat troops, 6 medical litters, or a total of 3000 lbs of cargo. In 1956 a U-1A was used as a tanker to accomplish the first in-flight refueling of a helicopter. It was responsible for refueling the CH-21 used to make the first non-stop transcontinental helicopter flight. The red and white paint scheme illustrated in this display piece was typical of aircraft used in Alaska and in Artic service performing topographical survey studies."