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.

JUNE 16, 2008

We are working on the final finish of our K650T Honeywell turbine powered Sherpa so that we can fly it to the upcoming EAA Oshkosh event. We are implementing many new and exciting changes to improve what was already a great airframe. We should be able to post new photographs within 30 days. We look forward to seeing you West of Building “C” in Oshkosh. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call or e-mail. Shown below is a sneak preview of the control system and other connecting lines and hoses that have been designed for the lasting durability required for the Sherpa's operation in rough terrain.



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. For information about the purchase price and details of the purchase see contract purchase agreement in the sales information section

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The Mannings go Turbine

 


BOUND FOR OSHKOSH
JULY 17 2007

Sherpa's new K650T heads for Oshkosh

The new K650T 8-place turbine powered Sherpa airframe is headed for the annual Oshkosh EAA fly-in event. Although the kit will not fly on its own, it will be sitting West of Building "C" in the conditions shown here in the photo. See sales information section for performance estimates and specifications. What's exciting about the new Honeywell powered Sherpa is the fact that the useful load should exceed 3000lbs and have a fuel capacity of 350gals.

 


Workers at Sherpa are now busy making new parts for the 12 aircraft under construction









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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