The Caribou was designed as a military STOL transport and 159 were built for the US Army, many seeing service in Vietnam. It also served with the armed forces of Canada, India and Australia. A small number were built for civil operations and a handful remain airworthy. Pen Turbo Aviation of Rio Grande, New Jersey have converted at least one Caribou to Turbo Caribou standard with the installation of 2X 1424bhp (1059kW) Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67T engines which markedly improve performance.

Engines: 2x 1450hp(1081kW) P&W R-2000-7M2                                                                               Length: 72’8"(22.12m)                                                                                        Height: 31’9"(9.68m)Wingspan: 95’7"(29.15m)                                                                                               No.built: 304 Range: 1300miles(2092km)                                                             Cruising speed: 180mph(289kmh) Empty weight: 18,260lb(8283kg)                                      Maximum take-off weight: 28,500lb(12,927kg)

                           N55NC            c/n 61           Photo: John Chalmers