Bush Plane Collection: De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
Celebrate De Havilland’s legendary DHC-2 Beaver with original pen-and-ink illustrations that capture its rugged charm—on floats and wheels. Whether you're drawn to the classic floatplane or the dependable land plane, this collection honors the aircraft that’s helped shape life in the bush and beyond.
As an aviation mechanic in Alaska, the Beaver holds a special place in my heart. I’ve worked on them all over the state—and had the chance to fly into some unforgettable remote camping spots along the way. Want to learn more about the artist behind the design? Visit the About page or read the Discover Nautical & Aviation Illustrated Designs blog post introducing Alow & Aloft.
History of the DHC-2 Beaver
The De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver is one of the most iconic bush planes ever built—revered for its rugged reliability, short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, and incredible adaptability. Designed and manufactured in Canada, the Beaver first took flight on August 16, 1947, and quickly became the go-to aircraft for remote transport across the wilderness of Canada and Alaska.
Engineered with input from seasoned bush pilots, including the legendary Punch Dickins, the Beaver Bush Plane was purpose-built to operate in the harshest environments. Its high-wing, all-metal design could be outfitted with wheels, skis, or floats, making it ideal for landing on gravel bars, frozen lakes, or alpine water strips. It could carry heavy payloads—up to half a ton—and still lift off in tight, unforgiving terrain. For bush pilots and backcountry adventurers, the Beaver Floatplane became the key to reaching places otherwise inaccessible by road or trail.
During its 20-year production run, over 1,600 Beavers were built and sold worldwide. The U.S. military was a major customer, using the aircraft during the Korean War for reconnaissance and medical evacuations in rugged terrain. Today, more than 750 Beavers are still flying—many lovingly restored or modernized, including experimental electric-powered versions.
The DHC-2 Beaver isn’t just an aircraft—it’s a symbol of frontier freedom. It’s been used to deliver supplies to geological camps, drop off fishermen at remote mountain lakes, and shuttle people into some of the wildest backcountry on the planet. It has even been commemorated on Canadian currency.
Referred to by some as a “ half-ton flying pickup truck,” this plane remains a legend in the skies—and a lifeline to the North.
Looking for more warbirds, bush planes, or even maritime-inspired designs? Check out my full shop to explore the entire collection.
FAQs
-
Yes! If you love one of our designs—like the B-17 Bomber or Flying Fortress—but want it on a different item (like a tote bag, pillow, or mug), just reach out! I’m happy to create custom versions.
-
Nope! Every design is an original. I’m a photographer and illustrator, and I create each piece myself—from hand-drawn sketches to digital edits. These are authentic works of art, not clip art or AI-generated images.
-
When you place an order, your item is printed just for you—no warehouses, no waste. I use Printful for fulfillment, which means your item is created and shipped directly from their facilities. This helps reduce overproduction and keeps things sustainable.
-
Because each item is made to order, I can’t accept returns or exchanges unless there’s a defect or printing error. That said, if something’s wrong, I’ll do my best to fix it—just reach out!
-
Most orders ship within 2–5 business days and are delivered in about a week (depending on your location). You’ll receive tracking information as soon as it’s on the way.
-
Not yet. Right now, we only ship within the U.S., but we’re working on the logistics for international orders. Stay tuned and check back soon!
-
Nope! We cover shipping charges within the United States. No hidden fees—just the cost of the item.
-
First of all, I’m so sorry! Please contact me as soon as possible with a photo of the issue. I’ll work with Printful to make it right—whether that means a replacement or a refund.