What was the largest RAF aircraft when it arrived in 1956?

Short answer

The Blackburn Beverley: on entering service it was the largest aircraft operated by the RAF. The first production Beverley C.1 was delivered to No. 47 Squadron, based at RAF Abingdon, on 12 March 1956. Its main hold had a volume of about 170 m³ (6,000 ft³) and held 94 troops, plus 36 more in the tail boom.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

What was the largest RAF aircraft when it arrived in 1956?

Blackburn beverley in 1964 arp

From the GAL.60 Universal Freighter to the Beverley

The Beverley was originally designed by General Aircraft as the GAL.60 Universal Freighter, a name reflecting its intended use by both military and civilian operators. General Aircraft was absorbed by Blackburn in the late 1940s, which continued the project. On 20 June 1950, the first prototype made its maiden flight from the company's facility at Brough.

The RAF's largest aircraft

On 12 March 1956, the first production Beverley C.1 was delivered to No. 47 Squadron, based at RAF Abingdon. On entering service, it was the largest aircraft operated by the RAF.

What fit in the hold

The main cargo hold had a volume of about 170 m³ (6,000 ft³) and could accommodate 94 troops, with a further 36 in the tail boom. In one configuration it could carry a maximum of nine Jeep-type road vehicles; it was also possible to carry a single bulldozer with full fuel tanks. Paratroopers in the upper passenger area jumped through a hatch in the base of the tail boom, just ahead of the leading edge of the tailplane.