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| The Short 330 is easily recognized by its square fuselage, high aspect ratio wings, and destinctive twin vertical stabilizers. |
Those of a certain age, and I’m talking fortyish, might remember the old Shorts aircraft that Alleghany Commuter used for their commuter flights from regional airports such as Reading (RDG) to Philly, New York, and Pittsburgh as well as other smaller airports like New Haven and Richmond. The first of these were the Shorts 330’s. They were odd looking planes with long skinny wings (high aspect ratio), twin vertical stabilizers, and a very boxy (square cross section) fuselage. I always wondered how they were able to fly. The 330’s were then replaced by another Short Brothers unusual, but somewhat more normal-looking, aircraft, the 360. I had the opportunity to fly in the 360’s back in the mid 90’s and I was always impressed by their power and how quickly they jumped off the runway. The passenger compartment was loud and the seating was not luxurious. The high aspect ratio wings were very efficient, producing relatively low induced drag, providing more than adequate lift with added economy of flight. This gave the 330 and 360 the capability for short take-offs and landings and be economical to fly. From personal experience, I am under the impression that the trade off for this STOL ability was ride smoothness.
There were a number of variants of the 330 for passenger, cargo and military use. Besides Tanzania and Thailand they were also used in military service in both Great Britain and the US. The 330’s are still in use throughout the world, now relegated to mostly cargo duty since they are able to carry lots-O-stuff or used to fly into small landing strips in jungles and other remote areas. They are rugged planes and uncommonly durable.
The 330, which began production in 1973, was based on another Short Brothers aircraft called the SC7 Skyvan, call it the 330’s older, little brother. The Skyvan was made from 1963 to 1986, there were 153 built over that time. If you think the 330 was odd looking it was a definite improvement over the Skyvan!
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| Yellow Boxfish - A juvenile Yellow Boxfish (Ostracion cubicus) taken on Redang Island, West Malaysia. http://www.underwater.com.au/image.php/id/5734/ |
They say the majestic tri-tailed Constellation was modeled after the slippery-looking Dauphin. I always thought the Skyvan was modeled after a Boxfish (except for that twin tail thing). It might be one of the ugliest planes ever designed. But, the important thing is it worked.
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| The SC7 Skyvan was a success for the Short Brothers of Ireland. Obviously when it comes to airplanes looks doesn't matter |
It was and, despite its age, still is in use throughout the world. In the US they seem to be used a lot for sky diving because they can carry 13 jumpers. Other parts of the worls value its short take off and landing abilities and the fact that it can haul up to 5,200 lbs (2,360 kg) of cargo. Its turbo-prop engines offer a lot of grunt and it is still one of the more utilitarian and tough planes you’ll find anywhere
Thanks for reading me,
Don
