TYPE: Light utility transport.
PROGRAMME: Development of the Sherpa series began in 1991, with first prototype (N141B) making debut at Oshkosh in July 1994. Second prototype (N711SA) first flown 1995; both prototypes five-seat versions. Third prototype (N712SA), shown at AirVenture 2001, is the eight-seat Sherpa C-400 version. All versions use same airframe, except for modified wings on K-200, K-300 and C-400. By August 2003, construction of the first K-200 was underway.
CURRENT VERSIONS: Sherpa: Original six-place version; kit production under consideration.
Sherpa K-200: Five/six-seat version; under development. Reduced wing span and area.
Sherpa K-300: Six-seat version; main differences from K-200 are in cabin and CG envelope.
Sherpa C-400: Eight-seat version; as described unless otherwise stated.
Sherpa C-500T: Proposed certified eight/10-seat version.
Sherpa K-500T: Turbine-powered eight-seater; same airframes as C-400.
CUSTOMERS: Three flying by end 2001.
COSTS: Sherpa K-200 US$119,000, Sherpa K-300 US$139,000, Sherpa K-500T US$225,000, Sherpa C-400 US$425,000, Sherpa C-500T US$750,000 (2003).
DESIGN FEATURES: Optimised for use in inhospitable terrain, with STOL performance, strengthened landing gear, option for large tyres and easy maintenance access.
Constant-chord, high-mounted wing with V bracing struts and auxiliary struts; wire-braced empennage. Tail surfaces have rounded tips and horn balances. Fully glazed flight deck door.
FLYIING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Two-track Fowler flaps increase wing area by 15 per cent when fully deployed at 40°. Inboard trim tab each side above flap. Tabs on rudder and starboard elevator adjustable in flight, as is tailplane incidence.
STRUCTURE: Steel 4130 fuselage frame has fabric covering aft and metal sheet covering forward of cabin. Fabric-covered 4130 steel tube wing has metal leading-edges and control surfaces. Fabric-covered steel tube empennage. Graphite composites nose cowlings. Single-piece 6 mm (¼ in) thick wrap-round windscreen.
LANDING GEAR: Tailwheel tyre; fixed. Standard tyre size 29x11.0-10; optional 1.07 m (42 in) Tundra tyres can be fitted. Cleveland hydraulic brakes. Optional floats, wheeled floats and skis; conversion time quoted as 90 minutes.
POWER PLANT: Sherpa K-200: One 265 kW (355 hp) VOKBM M-14X nine-cylinder radial. Fuel capacity 530 litres (140 US gallons; 117 Imp gallons).
Sherpa K-300T and C-500T: One 560 kW (751 shp) Walter M 601 turboprop driving a three-blade propeller. Fuel capacity 852 litres (225 US gallons; 187 Imp gallons).
Sherpa K-300 and C-400: One 347 kW (465 hp) Textron Lycoming TIO-720-X152 flat-eight driving a three-blade Hartzell F8483 propeller. Normal fuel capacity 568 litres (150 US gallons; 125 Imp gallons) in six individually removable tanks.
ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and up to seven passengers on individual seats with central aisle; seats can be removed individually to allow carriage of freight (up to 10 empty 208 litre (55.0 US gallon; 45.8 Imp gallon) drums) or two casualties plus two attendants. Double door on starboard side of fuselage for cabin; individual doors for crew positions. Addittional baggage door on starboard side aft of cabin area.
SYSTEMS: 12 V electrical system.
AVIONICS: Honeywell avionics suite plus S-Tek autopilot.