Ulster Aviation Society open day - 7

Image: © Kenneth Allen Taken: 15 Sep 2024

One of the European Heritage events held in various locations in Northern Ireland The Shorts SD-330 was based on the company's successful Skyvan design. With sales potential for a larger aircraft, Shorts began to look at the possibility to stretch the basic design to satisfy the needs of regional airlines. The first aircraft were delivered to Time Air of Canada in August 1976 and the type soon proved itself to be a reliable and cost effective airliner. In 1982 a military version was announced and in 1984 the United States Air Force placed an order for 18 aircraft, which was called the C-23 Sherpa. A further development for the civil market led to the larger Shorts 360. Together, these were the last company-designed aircraft to be built before Shorts became part of the Bombardier group. This aircraft G-BDBS was the second prototype making its maiden flight on 8th July 1975. It joined the flight test program visiting the USA in 1976, before becoming the company demonstrator travelling to Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the Middle East. In 1982 it was converted into the prototype Utility Tactical Transport variant but was changed back to its original configuration and used by Shorts as a company transport until 1992. In October of that year the Aircraft was donated by Shorts to the Ulster Aviation Society.

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