"John Hairell" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 15 Feb 2004 22:48:29 -0500, "Kevin Brooks"
wrote:


"Pits" wrote in message
...

Just wondering if US or Canada are still using Caribous for any
purpose.
Cheers

Known as the C-7 in the USAF (after they were taken over from the
Army in
the late sixties), they have been out of service for a long time
(early
eighties final retirement, IIRC). Very few served with the RCAF--they
instead bought more of the later turbine powered DHC-5 Buffalo. From
what I
have read their Caribous left service in the early seventies, but I
believe
they may still have a few Buffalos flying SAR.


The US Army still had a two or three 'Bous flying in CONUS into the
'80s. Interestingly these went from Army to USAF and then back to
Army. They were used for AVCRAD support and there was at least one
was from an SF unit. Army 'Bous were also used quite late for range
support at Eniwetok.

The FAA civil registry as of today (2/17/04) shows one C-7A, 17
DHC-4s, and 34 DHC-4As. There may be some overlaps there.

Also I know a guy who saw a USG Buffalo (not a 'Bou) at Fort A.P. Hill
within the last five years being used for some sort of drop testing.

FWIW, the RAAF still operate Caribous. They've just decided not to
replace them,
so they look like being around a while. Wallaby Airlines lives on....

The CO