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IATA SHBICAO BELF
Shorts SC-5 Belfast
Shorts TravelerPulse profile
British strategic heavy-lift turboprop freighter for the RAF.
First flight
1964
Category
Heavy-lift turboprop freighter
Range
5,250 km
Engines
Four Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprop engines
Status
Retired
The Shorts SC-5 Belfast is a large, four-engined turboprop strategic transport aircraft developed by Short Brothers of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Designed primarily to meet a Royal Air Force requirement for a heavy-lift freighter, it was capable of carrying outsized cargo including vehicles, helicopters, and military equipment over long ranges.
The Belfast entered RAF service in 1966 and served with No. 53 Squadron until budget cuts forced its early retirement in 1976. A small number of surplus aircraft were subsequently acquired by Heavylift Cargo Airlines, which operated them commercially into the 1990s on charter and contract freight work.
With a high-mounted wing, rear-loading ramp, and pressurized hold, the Belfast was one of the most capable strategic airlifters of its era. Only ten aircraft were ever built, limiting its operational impact despite its technical sophistication.
Notable operators
Operated exclusively by the Royal Air Force (No. 53 Squadron) and later by Heavylift Cargo Airlines in civilian service.
Notable facts
- ›Only ten Belfast aircraft were ever built.
- ›Served with RAF No. 53 Squadron from 1966 until early retirement in 1976 due to defence budget cuts.
- ›Heavylift Cargo Airlines acquired surplus aircraft and operated them commercially into the 1990s.
- ›Featured a pressurized hold and rear-loading ramp for outsized military cargo.
- ›The Belfast was the largest aircraft ever built in the United Kingdom at the time of its introduction.
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.
Operators
No operator data available.