Originally Posted by
wrench1
Actually, there's not a modern equivalent that can provide the same services, at the same costs, and operate out of the same environment. And you don't need to go to SA to see it. Old radial powered aircraft dominate the off-grid (unimproved runway) scene in Alaska and parts of Canada. Most heavy fuel and freight deliveries are currently handled by DC-3, DC-6, and C-47 aircraft. The only manufacturer I'm aware of that has designed and built a more modern off-grid aircraft is Pilatus with the PC12 and PC24, but it can't haul what the old ones haul.
I agree, but let's not forget the Cessna C-208 Caravan and the Dehavilland DHC-4 Caribou and DHC-6 Twin Otter. I think the Caribous are scarce as hen's teeth, but with the good ol' P&W R-2000s, it could haul the freight from unimproved air fields. Do you know whether or not there are any Curtiss C-46s still flying up in Alaska?