Design of this long-range, strategic transport aircraft
began in February 1959, with the first flight in January
1964. Only ten of the originally ordered thirty Belfast's
were built, all for the RAF.
The Belfast, built by Short Brothers, is a giant of
an aircraft at over 48m (158ft) span and 41m (136ft)
long, weighing 56 tons empty and more than twice that
when fully loaded; consequently each aircraft was named
after a giant and XR371 was called 'Enceladus'.
The Belfast could carry 150 fully-equipped troops or
a Chieftain tank or two Wessex helicopters. It has enough
room in its hold to carry two single deck buses. It
was affectionately know as the Bell-Slow, noted for
it long haul flights and the length of travel time.
It worked all over the world on special flights for
the armed forces until phased out of service in 1976.
Belfast XR371 was flown to Cosford in the Autumn of
1978.
Belfast's are still operated commercially by Heavy
Lift Cargo Airlines Ltd. The Company specialises in
the transportation of bulky freight and together with
its manufacturers, Short Brothers of Belfast, is a long
established supporter of the Museum. |
