The Shorts 360 (also known as the Short 360 or SD3-60) is essentially the big brother and evolution of the Shorts 330. It was designed to improve performance and aesthetics while keeping the ruggedness and utility that made the 330 popular.

✈️ Overview:

• Role: Regional commuter aircraft
• First flight: June 1, 1981
• Introduced: 1982
• Manufacturer: Short Brothers (Belfast, Northern Ireland)
• Production ended: 1991
• Total built: Around 165

🔍 Key Improvements Over Shorts 330:

• Streamlined design – Rounded rear fuselage instead of the "boxy" bus-like end on the 330
• Aerodynamic tail – Features a single vertical fin instead of the twin tail of the 330, which improved stability and handling
• Increased capacity – Up to 39 passengers
• Quieter and more comfortable cabin – Better insulation and smoother ride

🛠️ Specs:

• Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65AR turboprops
• Cruise speed: ~215 knots (247 mph / 398 km/h)
• Range: ~1,030 nautical miles (1,907 km)
• Service ceiling: ~25,000 ft
• Crew: 2
• Cabin: Unpressurized, like the 330, though the ceiling is slightly higher

🧱 Design Features:

• High-wing layout – Same as the 330, good for visibility and rough fields
• Fixed landing gear – Rugged and low-maintenance
• Wide cabin – One of the widest in its class at the time
• Rear baggage compartment – Accessible from the inside (useful for quick-turn commuter ops)

🧳 Use Cases:

• Popular with regional and commuter airlines in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean
• Frequently used in short-haul, high-frequency routes
• Some converted for cargo use after retirement from passenger service

🔧 Notable Variants:

• Short 360-100 / -200 / -300: Variants with improved performance and different max takeoff weights
• 360-300 was the final production version with better fuel efficiency

🛫 Compared to Shorts 330: