Short 360

United Kingdom

36 seat regional airliner

The Short 360 is a stretched, larger capacity and improved 36 seat derivative of the 30 seat Short 330. The relative success of the rugged Short 330 prompted the Northern Ireland based manufacturer to study and subsequently develop a stretched derivative. Short announced it was developing the new airliner in mid 1980, and a prototype 360 flew for the first time almost a year later on June 1 1981. The first production 360 flew in August 1982 and certification was awarded on September 3 that year. The 360 entered service with Suburban Airlines in the US in November 1982. The two Short airliners are very close in overall dimensions and size, but the later 360 is easily identified by its new conventional tail unit mounted on a revised rear fuselage. The 360 is also 91cm (3ft) longer than the 330, allowing two more seat rows and six extra passengers to be carried, while the extra length reduces drag. Power is supplied by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A65Rs, and the 360's wing span is slightly greater. Otherwise the 330 and 360 are very similar, and share a high degree of commonality. Short marketed a number of 360 developments, the first of which was the 360 Advanced with 1062kW (1424shp) PT6A65ARs. The 360 Advanced was introduced in late 1985, but was soon followed by the further improved 360300, which entered service in March 1987. The 360300 introduced advanced six blade propellers, more powerful PT6A67R engines giving a higher cruise speed and improved hot and high performance, plus other aerodynamic improvements. The 360300 was also built in 360300F freighter form.

360 - Two 990kW (1327shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A65R turboprops driving five blade constant speed Hartzell propellers. 360300 - Two 1062kW (1424shp) PT6A67Rs driving six blade props.

360 - Max cruising speed 390km/h (210kt). Range at max cruising speed with 36 passengers 426km (230kt), range with max fuel 1055km (570nm). 360300 - Typical cruising speed 400km/h (216kt). Initial rate of climb 925ft/min. Range with 36 passengers and reserves at typical cruising speed 745km (402nm), with 31 passengers and reserves at 337km/h (182kt) cruising speed 1178km (636nm).

360 - Operating empty 7350kg (16,600lb), max takeoff 11,657kg (25,700lb). 360300 - Typical operating empty 7870kg (17,350lb), max takeoff 12,292kg (27,100lb).

Wing span 22.80m (74ft 10in), length 21.58m (70ft 10in), height 7.27m (23ft 10in). Wing area 42.2m2 (454.0sq ft).

Flightcrew of two. Typical passenger seating for 36 at three abreast and 76cm (30in) pitch in 12 seat rows. Optional seating for 39 in a high density configuration. Freighter 360300F can house up to five standard LD3 containers or pallets.

Production ceased in 1991 after approx 165 had been delivered. Approx 110 were in airline service in late 1998.

Short 360