Shorts C-23A Sherpa  

The C-23A Sherpa is a freight version of the Shorts 330-200 and was acquired by the USAF for use by the 10th Military Airlift Sqdn. based at Zweibrucken in Germany. It featured a full width rear cargo door and roller conveyor system. It could transport two Land-Rover sized vehicles or a combination of pallets and containers up to a maximum of 7,000lb(3,175kg). The role of the C-23A was principally the movement of spares and passengers between the various European bases operated by the US military. The C-23A had no side windows but the C-23B (10 built) which was ordered in 1988 for the US Army National Guard did have side windows. The C-23C (17 converted from Shorts 360) was a version of the Shorts 360 with its single tail unit replaced by the twin tail and loading ramp of the C-23A. These are operated by the US Army. A C-23A is illustrated below.

Engines: 2x 1198shp(893kW) P&W PT6A-45R                                                                                   Length: 58’1"(17.69m)                                                                                        Height: 16’3"(4.95m)Wingspan: 74’8"(22.76m)                                                                                                 No.built: 28 Range: 770miles(1239km)                                                             Cruising speed: 180mph(289kmh) Empty weight: 14,230lb(6460kg)                                        Maximum take-off weight: 22,000lb(9988kg)

84-0460                 c/n                                        

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