BlackBox Simulations is back with an extensive and highly detailed collection of the Short Brothers turboprop transport aircraft. The Shorts Regional Premium Edition for Microsoft Flight Simulator contains nine variants of the Shorts 330 and Shorts 360 used for passenger, cargo, and military flying, along with 36 real-world liveries, custom avionics, detailed systems, and accurate interiors.
Affectionately known as the “Flying Shed” (among other, occasionally derogatory nicknames), the Shorts 330 is a turboprop transport produced by Short Brothers of Northern Ireland. Known for its rugged construction, short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, and low operating costs, the Shorts 330 could carry up to 30 passengers on short-haul regional flights. The Shorts 360 was a larger version of the 330 with a fuselage plug that allowed for two more rows of seats. The Shorts 360 retained many of the desirable characteristics of the Shorts 330 including STOL capabilities and low operating costs and saw success serving a variety of regional airlines around the world, including Air Wisconsin, American Eagle, QantasLink, Gill Airways, FedEx, and Loganair, among others.
Both the Shorts 330 and 360 have also been used extensively by military and government operators around the world for transport and training duties. The C-23 “Sherpa” designation was given to the military variants of the Short 330 (C-23A and C-23B) whereas the C-23B+ and C-23C are military versions of the Short 360.
In their Shorts Regional “Premium Edition”, BlackBox Simulation has included the following aircraft variants.
Included variants:
- Shorts SD3-30 Passenger Aircraft
- Shorts SD3-30 SHERPA Military/Cargo prototype
- Shorts SD3-30 UTT Military / Cargo Export model
- Shorts C23A Military Transport
- Shorts SD3-30 Cargo variant
- Shorts SD3-60 Passenger Aircraft
- Shorts SD3-60 Cargo Variant
- Shorts C23B Military Transport
- Shorts C23C Military Transport
BlackBox states that their Shorts Regional Premium Edition aircraft feature accurately modeled systems including a custom-coded electrical system with hundreds of circuit breakers, triple batteries, dual generators, and over 130 individually controlled light bulbs. Also included is an accurate turboprop simulation, simulated hydraulic systems, and even functional windscreen wipers.
The avionics suite is realistic per each model and includes a custom-coded Collins FC65 flight director and autopilot system, a (optional, user-selectable) Garmin AS400 GPS, a complete set of Nav/Comm radios with user-programmable memory features, and two different, working weather radar systems from both Collins and Bendix.
The exterior models are accurately built from manufacturer blueprints and have working doors and exits, including the tail ramps. Internally, the models have different configurations depending on the variant (cargo or passenger) but can include fully modeled seats, cargo floors, paratroop benches, and more.
The Shorts Regional Premium Edition is available right now through the BlackBox Simulation website for a suggested retail price of €49.99 (excludes any applicable taxes). Availability via the MSFS Marketplace – including Xbox compatibility – is expected soon.
