The Stolifter was created by removing the Skymaster's rear engine and replacing the forward engine with a 575 shp (429 kW) Garrett AiResearch TPE 331-25A turboprop. The fuselage was extended to allow almost double the normal cargo volume. The aircraft was also fitted with a Robertson Aircraft CorporationSTOL-kit.[1]
The aircraft was intended for a range of military and civil roles, including cargo and troop transport, medevac, reconnaissance and parachute drop.[2]
The aircraft is capable of taking off in 250 ft (76 m) and clearing a 50 ft (15 m) obstacle in 450 ft (137 m). On landing the approach speed is 51 mph (82 km/h), with a touch-down speed of 44 mph (71 km/h), giving a ground roll of as little as 200 ft (61 m).[2]
Only one Stolifter was built. The conversion was approved and the single aircraft produced was given a standard Certificate of Airworthiness. The aircraft still exists as of 2023 and is based in Lyman, Washington, USA.[3]
