Designed at the start of the 1960s, the Short SC.7 Skyvan had to overcome considerable challenges—including two engine changes—before it was accepted by operators, but overcome them it did, laying the foundations for a family of aircraft that remained in production until 1992. Used for both cargo and passenger transport, and more recently a favourite of skydivers, the Skyvan's overtly boxy shape has earned it many nicknames from the 'Shoebox' to the 'Flying Shed'. This book delves into the origins of the design and its development through several versions, including some design studies that were never built. It includes a thorough survey of Skyvan operators, both civil and military, a look at what it's like to fly, and an assessment of its safety record. Also included is a photographic walk-around of the main features of the design, which will be of interest to scale modellers.
With many previously unseen photographs and drawings, this is the most comprehensive history of the Skyvan ever published, and the first in an exciting new series on aviation workhorses.
