Shorts - SC-7 Skyvan
In October 1989 Bombardier, acquired Short Brothers plc (Shorts). Shorts was founded in 1901, and the company received the first aircraft production contract in history from the Wright brothers in 1909.
The Shorts SC.7 Skyvan design began in 1959 as a private project to develop a multi-role aircraft with short field capabilities.
The prototype first flew in January 1963 from Sydenham, UK, using Teledyne Continental GTSIO-520 piston engines, although initial production aircraft, known as Skyvan Series 1A, had Turbomeca Astazou II turboprops.
Series 2 first flew in October 1965 with Turbomeca Astazou XII turboprops and was superseded in 1968 by Series 3 powered by Garrett TPE331 turboprops. A military variant of the series 3 was produced and designated the Skyvan Series 3M. The Skyvan Series 3M-200 has a higher gross weight and was also produced for military use.
Series 3A was introduced in 1970 and has a higher takeoff weight. A variant of the Skyvan Series 3A include the Skyliner, equipped with more interior features.
Shorts ceased production of the SC.7 Skyvan’s in 1985, although they are still widely used around the world for a variety of purposes. The unusual square fuselage makes the aircraft ideal for large freight, and the high wings make the aircraft ideal for skydivers. The short takeoff and landing capabilities enables the aircraft to be operated at remote airfields.
