C-23A SHERPA (SHORTS)

Gary's Combat Aircraft Reference Guide

Country of Origin: UK.
Similar Aircraft: Aviocar C-212, Skyvan 3M, OV-10 Bronco, OV-1 Mohawk.
Crew: Two plus flight mechanic.
Role: Utility transport (nine passengers, vehicles).
Armament: None.
Dimensions: Length: 58 ft (17.7 m). Span: 74 ft, 8 in (22.76 m).

The C-23 Sherpa is a twin-engine, nonpressurized, turboprop aircraft.

The aircraft can drop 12 combat-equipped parachutists or 16 Hollywood parachutists in the airdrop configuration. Troops may be loaded over the ramp or through the port side door. The primary jump door for personnel and cargo is the rear ramp door. Only over-the-ramp procedures are authorized for static line personnel parachute operations. Only military free fall operations are authorized from the port side door. Use of the port side door is no longer authorized for static line personnel jump operations. Static line personnel drops using the port side jump door are authorized only for emergencies. Standard drop altitude and speed is 1,500 feet above ground level at 105 knots. Military free fall operations can be conducted up to 17,500 feet mean sea level.

Wings: High-mounted and rectangular with blunt tips. Struts between wings and landing gear.

Engine(s): Twin turboprops mounted in pods under the leading edges of the wings.

Fuselage: Slabsided. Rectangular from fuselage to tail. Rounded nose. Stepped cockpit.

Tail: Rectangular fins with blunt tips. Fins are mounted on the tips of the flats. Flat is rectangular and high-mounted on the body.

Thailand, UK, USA.