Fri, Jul 31, 2009
We Don’t Need No Stinking Runways
By Chris Batcheller
The Sherpa K-650T stands above the miles of aircraft on display
at Oshkosh 2009. The airplane is an 8 place bush plane that
resembles a Piper Cub on steroids from a distance. Once you get
close, it’s clear that this monster has swallowed the Piper
Cub, a De Havilland Beaver and possibly a Pilatus PC-6. The
airplanes spinner towers above your head and the tires resemble a
cartoon from the movie Memphis Belle.
Sherpa File Photo
The airplane is designed to deliver 3000 lbs of payload to
short, rough strips in the middle of nowhere. At full gross,
the airplane can land in 240 ft and takeoff in 336 ft. At gross
weight, the airplane climbs at 1400 ft/min and can cruise at 188
mph. Maximum range is 1500 s.m. burning 36 gal/hr.
Glen Gordon, President of Sherpa Aircraft said “This is
all bush plane, and it’s not just an Alaska bush plane”
he said. The company has had interest in many other countries,
particularly where the terrain is difficult. He went on to note
that this airplane can be used effectively by law enforcement, and
emergency personnel. Gordon noted that the Sherpa can move a
medical patient faster, at a fraction of the cost of a
helicopter.
Glen Gordon
Gordon has a plan to get this now experimental airplane
certified. “We are going to have 12 experimental airplanes
built by customers in our builder assistance center to help freeze
the design” he said. Once the design is frozen, the company
plans on certifying the beast of a bush plane. The builders must
take a minimum of 10 hours of flight training on the airplane,
because of the unique abilities of this airplane.
“People are very excited,” Gordon said. “We
have been overwhelmed by the reception." The airplane will be
offered in various packages. The kit is expected to be
offered for as little as $750,000 to $825,000 depending on avionics
and engine.
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