Tomark Viper Sd-4

Single Piston

The Shorts 360 is a boxy, high-wing regional turboprop that became a workhorse of short-haul commuter aviation in the 1980s and early 1990s. Built by Shorts Brothers in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the SD3-60 variant seated up to 36 passengers and was powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65R turboprops. Its distinctive squared-off fuselage (earning it the nickname "flying shoebox") was optimized for cargo volume and ease of loading, making it equally popular with freight operators and passenger carriers serving thin routes. The type entered service in 1982 as an enlarged successor to the Shorts 330, offering better performance and cabin comfort while retaining the rugged simplicity that made Shorts aircraft favorites for rough-field operations. The 360's design prioritized utility over speed. With a maximum cruise of around 210 knots and a range of roughly 450 nautical miles at full payload, it was never meant to compete with sleeker turboprops like the Saab 340 or ATR 42. Instead, it excelled at short hops between regional airports, often operating from unpaved or minimally equipped strips where its high wing and sturdy landing gear were assets. The cockpit featured straightforward analog instrumentation and required a two-pilot crew, though the aircraft's handling characteristics were forgiving and well-suited to less experienced first officers building turboprop time. Production ended in 1991 after 165 aircraft were built, but the type soldiered on in cargo and charter roles well into the 2000s. Many were converted to freighters, where the capacious cabin and rear cargo door proved ideal for express parcels and overnight mail. By the 2010s, most passenger examples had been retired from scheduled service, replaced by more fuel-efficient regional jets and modern turboprops, though a handful remain active in niche markets. The 360 never achieved the commercial success of its competitors, but it carved out a loyal following among operators who valued its load-carrying ability and no-nonsense engineering. SkyMeter has tracked 286 flights across 42 airframes and 7 operators, with PISTON AVIATION LLC the largest observed operator.