The quirky Short 330 and 360 are coming to MSFS. Check the latest images!

Last October we brought you the news about Blackbox Simulation’s latest project for Microsoft Flight Simulator, the Short 330. The project has evolved considerably since then so it’s time to get up-to-date with the development and enjoy some new preview images of the aircraft. And the news is good: the Shorts are in final testing stage and a release is expected in a few weeks!

Blackbox is continuing with its series of quirky British commuter aircraft, which started with the Islander, continued with the Trislander, and will now bring us not only the Short 330 but also its larger sibling, the Short 360, and the C-23 Sherpa! These peculiar airplanes have a long history of regional and short-haul operations, as well as military and cargo transport roles.

Since the initial unveiling last year, Blackbox has been sharing some additional details (and the obligatory WIP images) about the project’s overall scope. The developer has stated that, to put things into a basic way of understanding, the goal is to create the most authentic flight model possible for the Shorts, “with the needles pointing at the right numbers”. The term “study-level” has also been used, with the promise that everything in the cockpit will work.

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Several features have been teased so far, including a wide range of real-world liveries, but also a working windshield wiper!

Blackbox’s “Shorts-Regional” package will include not only the SD3-30 and SD3-60 in both passenger and cargo variants, but also three Sherpa variants with a full-width ramp under the tail. With this comprehensive package, you’ll have everything you need to simulate a wide range of regional aircraft operations aboard these peculiar airplanes.

This package is now starting a beta testing stage with a few select people. It should be just a matter of a few weeks for the Shorts to land in Microsoft Flight Simulator. If previous releases are of any indication, we’re looking at a promising rendition of these airplanes for the simulator, with high levels of authenticity and interactivity. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches!