The venerable SLR

[Gil Boyd]

Sadly we have to move with the times due to serious MOD cuts and more destined for the table in the New Year, but the Shorts SC7 Skyvan does what it says on the "box" literally, albeit they are on long term hire to 1 PTS RAF Brize Norton.
They are very basic boxes on wings, and have a tremendous short take off and landing area, so turn around is very quick with bods instead of carrying cargo which is what they were originally destined for, in the African states.

The tail ramp is the jump platform with no traditional side doors like the C130 or other Parachuting planes. The new lads do however have to complete a night jump as part of their wings course from a C130 fully kitted, so that often comes as a shock

As far as those who say Parachuting has had its day and noone continues to do it anymore is poppycock and this is a timely response:

Parachuting should remain an essential capability in Britain’s defence because dropping troops from fixed wing aircraft gives you strategic options beyond that which can be achieved by helicopter.
General Chief of Staff