SKYVAN
Short Brothers, plc (now a subsidiary of Bombardier of Canada) developed and first flew the Skyvan in January of 1963. Over the next few years a number of changes were made in the aircraft and the production model first flew in December of 1967.

The production Skyvan has a twin turboprop engine (Garrett TPE331), high wing and a twin tail boom that allows for a unique rear ramp entry. About 160 aircraft were built (including pre-production models) and it is estimated that about 100 may still be in operation. Many of these aircraft are operated by military and government entities in the remote parts of the world because of their unique rear ramp loading capabilities and their ability to operate from short unimproved runways.

The 330 is 12 feet 5 inches longer than the Skyvan and has a retractable undercarriage. It was first put into service in 1974. Less than one hundred 330’s were built. At the 1998 Shorts Operators Conference the manufacturer estimated that 79 are still in operation. While some 330’s did go into military or government use, most of the standard 330 aircraft have been operating in a commercial environment. The military version of the 330, the Sherpa, is equipped with a rear-loading ramp similar to that of the Skyvan.

SD3-30
 The Shorts 330 is an unpressurized commuter/ regional airliner that was developed from the Skyvan utilizing that aircraft’s fuselage cross-section and tail (without the rear ramp) and a high wing. The 330 utilizes twin Pratt and Whitney PT6A-45 turboprop engines.

The 360 Advanced was first flown in 1985 featuring more powerful PT6A-65AR engines. In 1987 the Advanced version was superseded by the 360-300 that is powered by the more powerful PT6A-67R engines. About 180 SD3-60 aircraft were manufactured of all models. Almost all have been in commercial passenger operations. At the same Operators Conference it was estimated that 141 are still in operation. There were 46 of the 360-300 manufactured.

SD3-60  
The SD3-60 is a stretched development of the 330. The 360 first flew in 1981. It is unpressurized with a more conventional tail than the 330. The engines are a higher rated version of the PT6A and the outer wing and bracing strut is strengthened.

Air Cargo Carriers, Inc.
4951 South Howell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207

Phone (414) 482-1711

Fax (414) 482-2038

Email info@aircar.com