The Short Brothers Sherpa C-23B is a small military transport aircraft built by the Short Brothers Aircraft Co. It was designed to operate from unpaved runways and make short field takeoffs and landings. (STOL)
The U.S. Army National Guard was the first buyer of the B variant. Short entered a contract for 14 aircraft in 1989, and the first deliveries occurred during the beginnings of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991.
The C-23B, featured Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65AR engines, which were larger and more powerful than those on the initial model. The C-23B included a rear ramp that could open either on the ground or in the air, allowing paratroops to jump out while airborne and allow for the aerial dropping of cargo.
In January 2014, the U.S. Army announced that it was retiring the C-23B from military service. However, surplus aircraft were supplied to the State of Alaska and ally nations for continued use.
Sherpas on display in the United States
- Short 330-200 85-25343, a former Kwajalein range aircraft, at Millville Army Aviation Museum, Millville, New Jersey without its propellers.
- C-23B – N863DZ, which was US Army 93-01320, at Air Heritage Aviation Museum, Chippewa Township, Pennsylvania without its propellers
