IATA SHSICAO SC7

Shorts SC-7 Skyvan

Shorts

TravelerPulse profile

Rugged STOL utility turboprop with a boxy fuselage.

First flight

1963

Category

Regional turboprop

Seating

Range

1,115 km

Engines

Two Garrett AiResearch TPE331 turboprops

Status

In service

The Shorts SC-7 Skyvan is a small, boxy utility turboprop aircraft developed by Short Brothers of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Designed for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, it features a distinctive rectangular cross-section fuselage and a high-wing configuration, making it well-suited for freight, parachuting, and operations from unprepared airstrips. The aircraft first flew in prototype form with piston engines before being re-engined with Garrett AiResearch turboprops. It found wide use with small regional carriers, military operators, and skydiving organizations around the world. Its large rear clamshell cargo doors and flat cabin floor made it particularly effective for cargo and paradrop missions. Though no longer in production, the Skyvan remains in active service with various operators globally, particularly in roles requiring rugged utility and STOL performance. It was the design basis for the later and larger Shorts 330 and Shorts 360 commuter aircraft.

Notable operators

Operated by various small regional and charter airlines, military forces including those of Austria, Oman, and Ecuador, and numerous skydiving and parachute training organizations worldwide.

Notable facts

›The prototype flew with Continental piston engines before being re-engined with turboprops.
›Features a distinctive square-section fuselage derived from Miles HDM.105 research.
›Large rear clamshell doors make it ideal for paradrop and cargo operations.
›STOL capability allows operations from very short or unprepared airstrips.
›Formed the design basis for the larger Shorts 330 and Shorts 360 commuter aircraft.