Short 330

The Short 330 was conceived by Short Brothers of Belfast as a derivative of their earlier Short Skyvan STOL utility transport, aiming to provide an aircraft with a larger capacity while retaining desirable short-field performance characteristics. Development focused on creating a regional and commuter airliner capable of carrying up to 30 passengers, a specification influenced by United States aviation regulations that allowed commuter airlines to operate aircraft of this size, positioning the 330 as a successor to smaller aircraft such as the Beechcraft Model 99 and the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. The first prototype of the Short 330 achieved its maiden flight on 22 August 1974. The aircraft formally entered service in 1976 with the Canadian airline Time Air. Production of the Short 330 concluded in 1992, by which time a total of 141 units, encompassing passenger, freighter, and military configurations, had been manufactured. While Short Brothers initially concentrated on airliner production, the design also led to the development of two freight versions, the Short 330-UTT and the Short Sherpa, the latter of which was ordered by the United States Air Force.

The Short 330 is distinguished by its pragmatic design, featuring a longer wingspan and fuselage compared to its progenitor, the Short Skyvan, yet preserving the Skyvan's characteristic square-shaped fuselage cross-section and a traditional braced-wing configuration, contributing to its ease of maintenance and serviceability. A notable design feature is the location of all fuel tanks, which are situated directly above the ceiling of the passenger cabin. The cockpit is accessible via two separate doors from within the cabin, one for the pilot and another for the co-pilot. For the passenger variants, the cabin environment was the result of a collaboration with Boeing engineers, who modeled the interior space, fittings, and decor after larger airliners to enhance passenger comfort for its capacity of up to 30 individuals. The aircraft's relatively quiet operation was largely attributed to its Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engines, such as the PT6A-45R, which featured an efficient reduction gearbox. While the baseline 330 served primarily as a passenger transport, its airframe formed the basis for specialized variants, including the 330-UTT with a strengthened cabin floor and paratroop doors, and the Sherpa freighter equipped with a full-width rear cargo door and ramp.

The Short 330 was designed principally as a civilian and military transport aircraft, and as such, intrinsic armament systems were not a feature of its baseline configuration. Its military derivatives, such as the C-23 Sherpa and the 330-UTT, were configured for logistics, personnel transport, and paratroop deployment, roles that do not typically involve integrated offensive or defensive weapon systems. The aircraft possesses a payload capacity, stated for the passenger version as 1,966 kg, which in its military transport roles would be utilized for cargo, equipment, or personnel rather than munitions.

The Short 330 commenced operational service in 1976 with Time Air, a Canadian airline, and was specifically designed to meet the needs of regional and commuter airlines. It quickly established a reputation as an inexpensive, reliable, and rugged 30-seat airliner, appreciated for its low maintenance costs, comfortable cabin, and quiet operation, although it was noted to be somewhat slower than some pressurized competitors and was affectionately dubbed the "Shed" by at least one regional airline due to its utilitarian appearance. The military variant, designated C-23 Sherpa, was notably operated by the United States Air Force for the European Distribution System Aircraft role, tasked with flying spare parts between USAF bases within Europe, and also saw service with the United States Army. The Short 330-UTT, a military transport version with a strengthened cabin floor and paratroop doors, was acquired by Thailand, which purchased four. Other military operators included the Philippine Army, and formerly the Tanzanian Air Force, Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Police, United Arab Emirates Air Force, and Venezuelan Air Force. Civilian operators were widespread, encompassing air charter services, small feeder airlines, and air freight companies across numerous countries. Production ceased in 1992, and as of 1998, approximately 35 aircraft were reported to be still in service.

Main Variants

• 330-100: The original production model equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-45A and -45B turboprop engines.
• 330-200: An improved model incorporating minor enhancements and the more powerful PT6A-45R engine.
• 330-UTT: The Utility Tactical Transport version derived from the 330-200, featuring a strengthened cabin floor and inward-opening paratroop doors.
• Sherpa: A freighter version based on the 330-200, distinguished by a full-width rear cargo ramp.
• C-23 Sherpa: Military configured versions of the Short Sherpa, designated as A and B variants for military transport duties.

United Arab Emirates • Philippines • Thailand • United States • Venezuela