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Aircraft Details - Shorts 360 |
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Developed in the early 1980s by Short Brothers of Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Shorts 360 has gained a reputation as a reliable, economical aeroplane which is perfectly suited to short-haul regional operations.
The wide, square cabin cross-section, large forward door, and low cabin floor height also make the 360 a firm favourite with freight customers.
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Since the type's maiden flight in June 1981, the basic 360 design has been improved with the addition of more powerful engines, higher structural weights, and updated cockpit instrumentation. Two Canadian-built PWAC PT6A engines - probably the most successful turboprop engine in the world - give exceptional reliability and fuel economy. Just over 160 Shorts 360s were built, serving with airlines across the globe.
Dedicated freighter aircraft are operated by hdair.com offering a payload of up to 3,760 Kg whilst useable volume is 30% greater than most other similar size planes.
The Shorts 360 can operate comfortably from 1400 metre (4,500 foot) long runways - opening up hundreds of European airfields inaccessible by scheduled flights. Cruise speed is about 370 km/h (215 mph), at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The PT6A turboprops are fully ICAO Stage 3 noise-compliant, making the 360 one of the quietest turboprop aircraft operating today.
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