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Today the British aviation production concentrates itself mainly on delivering parts for other projects, like Airbus. But some decades ago, this part of the industry was one of the worldwide leaders. Beside the well known companies, like British Aerospace, there were also some smaller firms, which produced their own programs. One of these companies was the Belfast based producer Shorts. Under the leadership of Sir Philip Foreman (CEO 1967 - 1988), some important projects were launched. On one side the company produced for the military on the other side it developed civilian aircrafts, like the Shorts Skyvan and the commuter aircrafts Shorts 330 and 360, which are still play an important role with some airlines today. The Shorts Skyvan was a multipurpose aircraft, which could operate from small airfields and under bad climatic circumstances without any problems. It's unique design and the big cargo door at the back of the fuselage made it attractive not just for the transport of up to 22 passengers but also for outsize cargo like cars and tractors. Still today some few airlines, air forces and parachuting teams operate the Skyvan. As a further devolpment of the flying box, as the Skyvan was called, the project Shorts 330 was launched. The aircraft could carry up to 30 passengers and offered a never seen passenger comfort in its class. Thanks to its big fuselage diameter, the cargo version was also able to carry LD3 containers, what explains its popularity as a commuter aircraft for passengers and cargo as well. The ongoing development, the Shorts 360, increased the capacity to 36 passengers and reduced the seat-mile-costs by 15%. This lead to a break-even point at 36% load. Due to its robust construction and easy-to-do maintenance the Shorts 360 was a pupolar member of the fleets of renowned airlines like Aer Lingus and British Midland. Today there is still a large number of Shorts 330 and 360 operational with cargo airlines, like FedEx. But also the mighty transporter Belfast should have become a valueable project. The Northern Irish aviation author Guy Warner now collected the interesting story of the company under its charismatic leader in his 80 pages long new book "Shorts - The Foreman Years". The book was relased for the 100th anniversary of the Shorts company (now part of Bombardier), and the 50th anniversary of Sir Philip Foreman in Northern Ireland. The Shorts compny was and is an important part of the Northern Irish industry and saved many jobs, especially in a complicated time for this region. Bigger parts of the book deal with the two most important projects, the Shorts Skyvan and the Shorts 330 & 360. Beside also its role as an supplier for other aviation related companies, like Rolls Royce and BAe is highlighted. A further spot is on the opening of Belfast Harbour airport for commercial use, which was also initiated by Sir Foreman. The book is being sold by the Ulster Aviation Society and all money from sales will go to further the work of the Society. No. of pages: 80 To order the book please contact: e-Mail: ernie@airni.freeserve.co.uk Ulster Aviation Society Remark: Please note in your order, that you ordered via Planes International |
