Farnborough, United Kingdom, July 24, 2024 – This week at the Farnborough International Airshow, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (De Havilland Canada) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Shorts Brothers 330 to fly at Farnborough in 1974.
The Short 330, a 30-seat twin-turboprop aircraft designed and manufactured by the Shorts Brothers, originated from the Short Skyvan. Following the successful introduction of the Short 330, Shorts Brothers saw potential for it to be utilized in military utility applications, and in the early 1980s launched a number of versions of the Sherpa, which incorporated several modifications including strengthened cabin floors and a full-width rear ramp door. De Havilland Canada acquired the SD 3-60 C-23B+ Sherpa in 2019 following its service in the US Army. The aircraft attended the CANSEC conference earlier this year in Ottawa.
The Sherpa, along with the Short Skyvan and Short 330 & 360 type certificates, joined the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada family in 2019. Valued for their robustness and operational flexibility, their legacies live on through their contribution to regional air transport and specialized operations. The Sherpa stands as a testament to the very best in designing efficient and durable aircraft for regional and specialized use, leaving a mark in aviation history as a reliable workhorse of its era.
The Short 330 aircraft 50-year anniversary celebration at the Farnborough International Airshow marks a significant milestone in the history of this aircraft family. This event highlights the enduring legacy of these aircraft, showcasing its evolution over the past five decades, technological advancements, and its impact on the aerospace industry.
The Sherpa is a rugged, reliable, STOL aircraft that has stood the test of time and like other De Havilland Canada aircraft, can serve multiple roles including cargo or passenger transport, paratroop and other humanitarian missions as it can take off and land in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
In total, over 450 Short Skyvan and Short 330/360/Sherpa aircraft were produced, and nearly one-third are still active today.
The Sherpa is an important part of the family of De Havilland Canada aircraft and we look forward to reintroducing it to customers to gauge market interest in the coming months.
Watch the video here to learn more about the Sherpa.
About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
With more than 5,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is well established across the globe and our talented team of aviation professionals is dedicated to advancing our near-100-year reputation for excellence in innovation, production, and customer support. Our aircraft operate reliably in some of the world’s harshest climates and provide vital connections between rural communities and urban centres – transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. Our aircraft also support a wide variety of special mission operations including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and coastal surveillance. Visit: www.dehavilland.com
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