AUGUST 8, 2008
Excited
Sherpa followers get the first chance to see Sherpa's turbine powered
K-650T at the 2008 Oshkosh event. Visitors who had the chance to drop
by the Sherpa display were overwhelmed when they viewed the new Sherpa
turbine. Company officials were disappointed that the aircraft could not
be flown in time for the event, but enthusiasm ran high with a wonderful
acceptance of the new model. A series of test flight is scheduled to start
in mid-September; after which buyers with reservation spots will be able
to experience the flying characteristics first hand.
AUGUST 10, 2007
Sherpa's K650T Turbine makes big hit at Oshkosh
Onlookers
enjoy the first view of the airframe of the K650T turbine Sherpa. At the
end of the show the grassy area had turned to dust as hundreds viewed the
new airframe. For the first time the Sherpa company allowed orders to be
taken with delivery dates promissed to be after the end of 2008. The prototype
aircraft shown should be flying near the first of the year 2008. The Company
is presently producing 12 K650T turbines. There are still a few slots open
for interested buyers. Potential purchasers are encouraged to make arrangements
for a demonstration flight in the sister ship which has the same airframe
powered with a IO720 twin-turbo 450hp engine. Flying characteristics of
the two aircraft will be similar and the fantastic visability and controllability
can be experienced.
APRIL 2, 2007
K-500 becomes K-650 (Honeywell turbine powered Sherpa) Upgraded
in Gross weight and Honeywell (formerly Garret) power
At present
the Company is in the process of producing 12, Honeywell Powered K-650,
8-place kits that will be completed under the builder assist program at
the Scappoose, Oregon facility. The estimated gross weight of the new
K650 has been increased to 6500 pounds. The new K650 kit incorporates
the use of a completely new designed wing air foil and aileron that was
displayed at the 2006 Oshkosh event. The new wing has a fuel storage capacity
of 350 gallons of Jet fuel that can effectively allow 8 hours of flight
with the proper power settings. Flight tests of the new wing have demonstrated
spectacular performance figures with an amazing ability to fly in level
flight at extremely slow speeds without the use of vortex generators or
other air foil altering attachments. The great news is that the cruise
speed is expected to increase as well.
The decision
to switch to a Honeywell turbine engine was prompted by the Honeywell's
excellent fuel efficiency and ability to provide instant power when needed
with Honeywell's direct drive power train design.
Originally it was speculated that the 8-place piston version, K300/C400
and K-500, would be built so that the Recip powered engine version would
be interchangeable with a Walter or Pratt turbine engine. Subsequent engineering
studies revealed that both the wing and fuselage required significant
structural changes to meet the new targeted gross weight. As a result
a complete redesign of the plans and construction fixtures was undertaken.
The loss of time was regrettable but the improved new Sherpa will be well
worth the wait.
The company
is planning to display the new airframe at the upcoming EAA fly in at
Oshkosh. A new video showing the new wing in action will be made available
by the end of May 2007. Of special note are the many improvements in construction
design and corrosion resistant treated components.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN 8-PLACE SHERPA?
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