1963 |
LIGHT TRANSPORT | Virtual Aircraft Museum / United Kingdom / Short |
The Skyvan had its origins in the Miles Aerovan, the concept of which was taken on by Short in a radically overhauled design. The high aspect ratio SC.7 Skyvan prototype flew with Continental piston engines, but it was decided that turboprop power was required, so the prototype and early production (Series 2) examples were ultimately fitted with Astazou II turboprops. These engines were not ideal for hot-and-high conditions or American customers, however, so the Series 3 was upgraded to the specified Garrett type. In all, 149 Skyvans were built and sold to commercial freight/passenger 'bush' operators and military/paramilitary This sole example of the Skyvan sold to the Sharjah Amiri Air Wing was delivered in 1986. It was also the last Skyvan build completed. operators up until 1986. The Skyliner was a dedicated passenger-carrying version.
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