Aircraft Read more on Wikipedia
IATA SHSICAO SC7
Shorts SC-7 Skyvan
Shorts TravelerPulse profile
Boxy STOL utility turboprop built for rough operations.
First flight
1963
Category
Regional turboprop
Seating
Up to 19 passengers
Range
1,115 km
Engines
Two Garrett AiResearch TPE331 turboprops
Status
In service
The Shorts SC-7 Skyvan is a light utility transport aircraft developed by Short Brothers in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is characterized by its distinctive rectangular, box-like fuselage, which provides a large, unobstructed cargo hold and a rear loading ramp for easy loading of freight, vehicles, and military equipment.
First flown in January 1963, the Skyvan was designed for short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance and operations from unprepared airstrips in remote areas. It entered service with both civil and military operators and proved popular with regional airlines, charter companies, air forces, and parachuting organizations.
The aircraft is powered by two Garrett AiResearch TPE331 turboprop engines and can carry up to 19 passengers or equivalent cargo. Though production ended, a significant number remain in active service worldwide, particularly in roles requiring rugged utility transport and paradropping.
Notable operators
Operated by various regional airlines, military air arms, and parachute clubs worldwide, including the Sultan of Oman's Air Force and numerous small charter carriers.
Notable facts
- ›Features a distinctive square-section fuselage designed for maximum cargo volume.
- ›Equipped with a rear clamshell loading ramp for easy freight and vehicle loading.
- ›Designed for STOL performance, capable of operating from short, unprepared airstrips.
- ›Originally flew with Continental piston engines before transitioning to turboprops.
- ›Widely used for paradropping operations due to its large rear opening.
This profile is provided for general information only. Specifications may be inaccurate or vary by variant/operator — verify with the manufacturer before relying on them.
Latest news
Vintage Aviation News· 1/17/2026
Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Short SC.7 Skyvan
Read at Vintage Aviation News
Microsoft Flight Simulator· 5/28/2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases Local Legend 16: The Short SC.7 Skyvan
Read at Microsoft Flight Simulator
Key Aero· 1/19/2023
Why the Shorts Skyvan ‘Flying Shoebox’ proved so popular
Read at Key Aero
AeroXplorer· 8/2/2024
N41LH | Skydive Arizona Short SC-7 Skyvan 3-100 at RYN
Read at AeroXplorer
The Guardian· 3/24/2023
‘No one can deny it now’: death flight plane to be returned to Argentina
Read at The Guardian
AP News· 6/24/2023
Argentine dictatorship’s ‘death flight’ plane returned home for a historical reckoning
Read at AP News
GlobalSecurity.org· 11/7/2011
Shorts Skyvan / Shorts 330 / Shorts 360
Read at GlobalSecurity.org
Flightradar24· 3/29/2016
Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map
Read at Flightradar24
Operators
No operator data available.
About on Wikipedia
Short SC.7 Skyvan
1963 transport aircraft family by Short Brothers
The Short SC.7 Skyvan is a British 19-seat twin-turboprop aircraft first flown in 1963, that was manufactured by Short Brothers of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Featuring a basic rugged design and STOL capabilities, it was used in small numbers by airlines, and also by some smaller air forces. In more…
Read on WikipediaText from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA. May be out of date — verify important details.
