Avions Fairey
Avions Fairey Belfair
The Avions Fairey Belfair was a post‑war light transport and advanced trainer developed by the Belgian subsidiary of the British Fairey Aviation Company. First flown in late 1947, the Belfair emerged from the company’s desire to convert wartime experience into a versatile civilian aircraft that could also serve military liaison and training duties. Its design combined a low‑wing, all‑metal monocoque fuselage with twin de‑rated radial engines that produced 750 hp each, giving the aircraft a cruising speed of 280 km/h and a range of 1 650 km. Retractable tricycle landing gear, fully enclosed pressurised cabin and dual‑control flight decks set new standards for comfort and safety in European light transport. The Belfair could accommodate six passengers or, in a trainer configuration, a student pilot and instructor with removable seats for equipment. Innovative features such as split‑flap control and a variable‑pitch propeller improved handling at low speeds, making it popular with flight schools and regional airlines. Though only 58 were built, the Belfair’s blend of reliability, economical operation and modern avionics helped bridge the gap between wartime piston aircraft and the emerging generation of turboprop transports, marking a significant step in the evolution of post‑war European aviation.
