During the late 1980s, Philippine Airlines operated a particular aircraft fondly called the “Sunriser.” This turboprop aircraft was none other than the Short 360, also known as the Short SD360. The SD360-300, commonly referred to as the “Sunriser,” played a crucial role in connecting remote locations and smaller airports throughout the Philippines. But why was it called “Sunriser”?
Some people associate the current PAL livery with the “sunriser” name, and it’s been said that the SD360 was the first PAL aircraft to showcase the Eurowhite “sunriser” livery.
However, whether the SD360 was indeed the first PAL plane to feature the new livery is yet to be confirmed. PAL added the “Sunriser” to its fleet in 1987. Now, let’s delve deeper into the “Sunriser” aircraft itself, the Short 360 or SD360.
The Short 360, also known as the SD3-60 or Shorts 360, is a commuter aircraft designed and manufactured by the UK-based Short Brothers during the 1980s. With seating for up to 39 passengers, this aircraft entered service in November 1982 and served as a larger version of the Short 330.
Short 360 Design
Derived from the 30-33 seat Short 330, the Short 360 is a 36-seat aircraft with a high-density configuration that can accommodate up to 39 passengers. These two Short airliners have a high degree of commonality and share similar dimensions. The Short 360 features a larger, swept tail unit mounted on a revised rear fuselage, which makes it easily distinguishable from its predecessor. The aircraft’s 3-foot fuselage “plug” allows for two additional seat rows, accommodating six more passengers while enhancing its aerodynamic profile and reducing drag. The seating arrangement consists of two seats on the starboard side of the cabin and one seat on the port side. The Short 360 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65R turboprop engines.
The Short 360 successfully carved a niche in the regional airline market by building on the strengths and reputation of the Short 330. Capable of operating comfortably from 4,500-foot runways, this aircraft opened up hundreds of airfields that were previously inaccessible to larger airliners. Although not the fastest turboprop in its market, the unpressurized Short 360 offered acceptable performance at a reasonable price, coupled with ease of service and maintainability. The PT6A turboprops are fully ICAO Stage 3 noise-compliant, making the Short 360 one of the quietest turboprop aircraft in operation.
Variants and Specifications
The Short 360 comes in several variants to cater to specific requirements:
- 360-100: The first production model with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65R turboprop engines.
- 360 Advanced (later redesignated 360-200): Introduced in late 1985, featuring PT6A-65AR engines rated at 1,424 shp each.
- 360-300: Equipped with more powerful PT6A-67R engines and six-blade propellers, providing a higher cruise speed and improved performance.
- 360-300F: A freighter version of the 360-300, with the capacity to carry five LD3 cargo containers.
| General Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Crew | Three (Two pilots plus one cabin crew) |
| Capacity | 36 passengers |
| Length | 21.58 m (70 ft 10 in) |
| Wingspan | 22.81 m (74 ft 10 in) |
| Height | 7.21 m (23 ft 8 in) |
| Wing area | 42.09 m2 (454 sq ft) |
| Empty weight | 7,870 kg (17,350 lb) |
| Max takeoff weight | 12,292 kg (27,099 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 2,182 L (480 imp gal; 576 US gal) |
| Powerplant | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65AR turboprop, 1,062 kW (1,424 shp) each |
| Performance | |
| Maximum speed | 404 km/h (251 mph, 218 kn) |
| Cruise speed | 330 km/h (210 mph, 180 kn) |
| Range | 1,595 km (991 mi, 861 nmi) full tanks, 2,569 kg (5,664 lb) payload |
| Service ceiling | 6,100 m (20,000 ft) MSL |
History of the Short 360
The world’s commuter airline market saw a shift from 20-seat aircraft to larger and more comfortable cabins during the 1970s. Short Brothers of Northern Ireland, who had previously created the Skyvan in 1962 and the larger Short 330 in 1974, announced the development of the Short 360 in 1980. The prototype took its first flight on June 1, 1981, and received type certification on September 3, 1981.
The first production Short 360 took flight on August 19, 1982, and entered service with Suburban Airlines (which later merged with Allegheny Airlines/US Airways) in November 1982. Short Brothers introduced several developments, such as the 360 Advanced in late 1985, followed by the 360/300 in March 1987, which featured six-blade propellers, more powerful PT6A-67R engines, and aerodynamic improvements. This resulted in a higher cruise speed and enhanced “hot and high” performance. The 360/300 was also available in a 360/300F freighter configuration, catering to various cargo needs.
Production of the Short 360 came to an end in 1991 after delivering 165 units. However, the aircraft’s versatility and legacy continue to influence the regional aviation market to this day.
The Short 360 emerged as an influential commuter aircraft in the 1980s, bridging the gap in regional airline use and paving the way for future developments in the industry. With various models and configurations catering to different needs, the Short 360 was known for its performance, affordability, and maintainability. Though its production ceased in 1991, the Short 360 remains an important part of aviation history, leaving a lasting impression on regional aviation worldwide.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
