De Havilland

[mo32a]

On 2/16/2024 at 5:22 AM, Seeker said:

At least when you buy a Big Mac you know you're getting a low quality product assembled by underpaid, dis-interested employees.

Not if a Californian Senate candidate gets elected, she wants a minimum wage of $50.

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/02/15/barbara-lee-minimum-wage/72611446007/

[boestar]

On 2/13/2024 at 9:12 PM, IFG said:

Oh dear ... doing 'your own research' bites again 

In any case

Perhaps a little selective recollection? My recall is that DHC had been hemorrhaging money, and if buyers weren't found, the Government might have shut it down altogether; that customer airlines were very skittish to make the capital commitments of ordering DH-8's, and that large orders did follow the take-over. I haven't been able to dig up any order-book history to substantiate that, so of course open to correction. 

Boeing no doubt acted more in their own narrower interests than DHC's (& Canada's), but we also sometimes compare past (or speculative future) outcomes with a rose-tinted rather than realistic alternative. The government had poured hundreds of millions into DHC, back when $100M was real money. The uncertainty about the future was a definite drag on sales (IIRC?)

Cheers, IFG - 

I was an employee...

 

[Specs]

19 hours ago, boestar said:

I was an employee...

 

weren't we all

 

[Malcolm]

Air Tanzania joins De Havilland Canada's Component Solutions Program to support its growing fleet of Dash 8-400 aircraft

---

NEWS PROVIDED BY

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited 

Mar 15, 2024, 12:56 ET

 

 

"The DCS Program provides our customers with superior part availability and cost predictability so they can focus on running their day-to-day operations with minimal related interruptions," Leighton Storsley, De Havilland Canada Vice-President, Aftermarket and Business Development. "Our agreement with Air Tanzania has been tailored to provide the orgnization with an enhanced, customized package for component support."  

"As we continue to grow our fleet of Dash-8 400 aircraft, it was a natural decision for Air Tanzania to join the De Havilland Component Solutions Program to provide top of the line support to our business," said Ladislaus Matindi, Air Tanzania Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to benefitting from the ready availability of spare parts and cost predictability that is essential to running our business, and the expertise of the De Havilland Canada team."

About the De Havilland Component Solutions (DCS) Program

The DCS Program supports the operation of Dash 8-400 aircraft by ensuring cost-effective repair solutions and global accessibility to over a thousand different aircraft components positioned at strategically located distribution centres and at some customers' operating hubs. The program, which is designed to meet the growing demand for customized repair solutions, accommodates each customer's requirements and environment. With its low carbon footprint, low operating costs, industry-leading passenger experience, and jet-like performance, the Dash 8-400 aircraft, which seats up to 90 passengers, is the environmentally responsible choice for operators seeking optimal performance on regional routes. More than 175 Dash 8-400 aircraft are enrolled in the DCS Program.

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited

With more than 5,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is well established across the globe and our talented team of aviation professionals is dedicated to advancing our near-100-year reputation for excellence in innovation, production, and customer support. Our aircraft operate reliably in some of the world's harshest climates and provide vital connections between rural communities and urban centres – transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. Our aircraft also support a wide variety of special mission operations including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and coastal surveillance. Visit: www.dehavilland.com

De Havilland Canada and Dash 8-400 are trademarks of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. 

For additional media assets, visit: https://dehavilland.com/en/media 

SOURCE De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited

[Malcolm]

From \ Spotter 

Greece has ordered seven new De Havilland Canada DHC-515 waterbombers to boost its firefighting fleet.

Scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2030, these will supplement the current fleet of CL-215 and CL-415 water-bombers, as well as PZL M-18 Dromaders and other types flown by civilian contractors.

The DHC-515 is a new-production aircraft developed from the CL-415 waterbomber, and is yet to enter production.

[Kip Powick]

 

[Malcolm]

Found on the internet, not sure if this is just a rumour or .......

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, having acquired the type certificates for the Short Skyvan 330, 360 and Sherpa in 2019, is considering relaunching a modernised version of the Short Sherpa twin-turboprop cargo aircraft, last produced in 1990. It is currently engaging with potential users to confirm there is a role and a market for the aircraft.

A derivative of the Short 330, the Sherpa was a light transport powered by two PT-6A turboprops. With a range of 195 nm and a maximum payload of 7,000-lb, the aircraft could operate from unpaved runways.

Photo: 1st Lt. Jason Sweeney, US Army

Info from the internet re the Sherpa.

Short C-23 Sherpa

 

This article is about the cargo aircraft. For the experimental research aircraft, see Short SB.4 Sherpa.

C-23 Sherpa
A US Army C-23 Sherpa over San Diego 2014
Role	Transport aircraft
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Short Brothers
First flight	6 August 1984
Introduction	1984
Retired	Army National Guard 2014
Primary users	United States Army United States Air Force
Produced	1984–1990 (1997)
Number built	60
Developed from	Short 330, Short 360

The Short C-23 Sherpa is a small military transport aircraft built by Short Brothers. It was designed to operate from unpaved runways and make short takeoff and landings (STOL).^[1] It features a large squared fuselage with a full-width rear cargo door/ramp. The C-23A and C-23B are variants of the Short 330 and the C-23B+ is a variant of the Short 360. 60 aircraft were used it was finally retired from US service in 2014, but remains in international service. Although it was widely used for other uses it was originally the winner of an early 1980s competition for a light cargo aircraft to deliver cargo, especially aviation parts, for EDSA. While the C-23 was a new production, as was the C-23B, the C-23B+ were actually Shorts 360, with the tail and rear fuselage of a C-23. One of the differences between the C-23 and C-23B, is that the later had cabin windows. The aircraft has a substational amount of civilian use and also was operated by the U.S. Forestry Service and NASA for example. The NASA C-23 is still in service and used for research. The aircraft continues in service with the Philippines and Djibouti, as well as various civilian and governmental agencies, such as the aforementioned NASA research Sherpa.

The Shorts C-23 Sherpa was part of family of small to mid-sized twin turbo prop transport aircraft developed in the late 20th century, starting with Short Skyvan, Short 330, and the Short 360. The C-23 was based on the Short 330, and the C-23B+ was based on the Short 360. The original C-23 had very specific purpose, to resupply airfields in Western Europe during the Cold War and entered service in the 1980s. However, it went on aftwards to serve in many different roles.

Design and development[edit]

The Short Skyvan, from the C-23 was developed, and C-23B+ was a combination of C-23 and Shorts 360

The Short 330 was developed by Short Brothers of Belfast from their earlier Short SC.7 Skyvan STOL utility transport. The 330 has a longer wingspan and fuselage than the Skyvan, while retaining the Skyvan's square shaped fuselage cross section, allowing it to carry up to 30 passengers while retaining good short field characteristics. The 330 entered commercial service in 1976.^[2]

In addition to the passenger aircraft, Shorts also planned two freight versions. The Short 330-UTT (for Utility Tactical Transport) was a military transport version fitted with a strengthened cabin floor and paratroop doors,^[3] which was sold in small numbers, primarily to Thailand, which purchased four. The Short Sherpa was a freighter fitted with a full-width rear cargo door/ramp. This version first flew on 23 December 1982,^[3] with the first order for 18 aircraft being placed by the United States Air Force in March 1983. These aircraft were assigned to Military Airlift Command (MAC) for the European Distribution System Aircraft (EDSA) role, flying cargo and personnel between United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) air bases.^[3] Eventually, 60 would be procured by for the U.S. armed forces and serve well into the 21st century.^[4] The C-23 Sherpa was the winner of a competition to enhance cargo delivery in that theater.^[5] One of its competitors as that time was the CASA C.212 Aviocar.^[5]

The Sherpa's cabin is 6.5 ft (1.98 m) wide, 6.5 ft (1.98 m) high and 29 ft (8.84 m) long.^[1] It offers a cargo volume of 1,230 cu ft (34.83 m³), with a cargo capacity of 8,000 lb (3,629 kg).^[1] The Sherpa is also capable of operating from unpaved runways and making short takeoff and landings (STOL).^[1]

In U.S. military service, the Short 330 was designated C-23A Sherpa. The C-23B Sherpa is similar to the C-23A, but with cabin windows.^[6] The C-23B+ Short 360 derivative was created by replacing the rear fuselage of Short 360s obtained on the second-hand market with the twin tail and rear loading ramp of the Short Sherpa.

The C-23 was produced at the Short Brothers' facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland.^[7]

Operational history[edit]

C-23A with aft cargo door down A C-23 Sherpa in center front with a C-5 Galaxy in rear

U.S. Air Force[edit]

The first C-23A for U.S. Air Force during its official rollout ceremony

The C-23A Sherpa entered service with the United States Air Force in Europe in 1985^[7] based at Zweibrücken Air Base. It continued in use in the EDSA role until November 1990 with the post-cold war force reductions.^[8] All the Sherpas returned to the United States; three aircraft were transferred to the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, eight aircraft went to the U.S. Army and the remaining seven to the U.S. Forest Service. The Test Pilot School's aircraft were retired in 1997.^[8]

U.S. Army[edit]

The eight former USAF aircraft were used for test duties at different units; two were re-designated as JC-23A.^[8]

The Army purchased four civil Short 330 aircraft to replace the de Havilland Canada C-7 Caribou being used to support the Kwajalein Missile Range. These were not given a C-23 designation, and were retired in 1992.^[8] In 1988, the Army ordered ten new-build Short 330s designated C-23B to replace the DHC C-7 Caribou used by the U.S. Army National Guard Aviation and Repair Activity Depots. In 1990, a further six were ordered.^[8]

When the Army wanted 20 more C-23s in 1990 the production line had closed; second-hand Short 360 aircraft were purchased instead. Designated C-23B+, these were modified from the original single tail to the twin-tail and cargo ramp of the other C-23Bs.^[8] In 1994, another eight aircraft were converted to replace the de Havilland Canada UV-18 Twin Otters used in Alaska.^[8] (which was also out of production since 1988)^[9]

During Iraq War (2003–2011), the C-23 served the Army's intra-theater needs of cargo and personnel transport. It provided an economic alternative for transporting some 20 people or three pallets of cargo when speed was not critical.^[10]

As part of the U.S. Army's Constant Hawk intelligence gathering program, five Short 360s were modified for use in Iraq and flew in theater between 2006 and 2011. A further two modified aircraft collided in mid-air before delivery to Iraq. The Constant Hawk aircraft were not given a military designation.^[8]

On 13 June 2007, the Alenia C-27J was selected to replace the C-23 in U.S. Army service.^[11][12] A total of 43 C-23s were in service with the U.S. Army as of November 2008 (all US C-27 aircraft at that time were transferred to the US Coast Guard in 2012 due to budget shortfalls).^[13] The C-23 Sherpa was retired from the Army National Guard in January 2014.^[14] As part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, 8 C-23s may be transferred to the State of Alaska to operate from short rural runways for search-and-rescue and medium-lift missions.^[15]

In December 2014, it was announced that US would supply eight aircraft to Estonia, Djibouti, and Philippines.^[16][17] Estonia ended up not taking the Sherpa, a decision they reached in 2015 because they could not afford the maintenance, despite the low cost of the aircraft. The landing and take off ability of the C-23 was also not short enough for their requirement.^[18] The Estonians were operating two Antonov An-2, a single engine biplane transport known for its low stall speed.^[19] In 2019, the Estonian Air Force received PZL C-145 instead which was a better match for their requirement, they were donated from the USAF which was retiring its fleet.^[20]

U.S. Army National Guard[edit]

Alaska National Guard C-23 on an unimproved frozen runway in the Alaskan village of Anaktuvuk Pass to deliver medical supplies.

While the US Army does not operate many fixed wing aircraft besides the Sherpa (due to Key West Agreement), they lost a C-23B in 2001 in Georgia, USA, and 21 died.^[21][22] This was the worst peacetime aviation disaster of the U.S. National Guard.^[23]

On 3 March 2001, a C-23B Sherpa belonging to the 171st Aviation Regiment of the Florida Army National Guard was carrying 18 construction workers of the Virginia Air National Guard from Hurlburt Field, Florida to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The pilot left the flight deck to use the aft bathroom. His weight in the tailcone shifted the center of gravity sufficiently that the airplane became unstable when a patch of severe turbulence was encountered. The violent g-force shifts then encountered rendered the crew unconscious and caused the breakup of the aircraft in flight near Unadilla, Georgia, killing the 21 persons on board.^[24] Later calculations determined that the aircraft had been loaded outside its operating envelope at the start of the flight.

The C-23 was retired from Army National Guard service in 2014, having served with distinction in such missions as disaster relief and transport, earning the distinction of being a "workhorse" aircraft.^[25]

Civilian and governmental use[edit]

Several surplus aircraft were sold to United States operators,^[26] who used them to transport equipment and crews to remote work sites.

NASA operates one C-23 for atmospheric research from Wallops Flight Facility.^[27][28]

Variants

 

C-23A Sherpa

Twin-engine transport aircraft for the U.S. Air Force based on the Short 330-UTT; it was fitted with a strengthened cabin floor with a roller conveyor system, plus a forward cargo door on the port side of the fuselage, equipped with a hydraulically operated full-width rear cargo door/ramp; 18 built.

C-23B Sherpa

Twin-engine transport aircraft for the US Army National Guard, similar to the C-23A, but with cabin windows, stronger landing-gear, inward-opening paratroop doors at the rear of the fuselage and an air-operable two-section cargo ramp; 16 built.^[8]

C-23B+ Super Sherpa

Short 360 aircraft purchased as used aircraft by the U.S. Army and modified by the West Virginia Air Center (WVAC) for the replacement of the rear fuselage of the Short 360, with its single tall fin, with the twin tail and rear loading ramp of the Short Sherpa.^[29] 28 civil aircraft were modified.^[8]

C-23C

Both C-23B and C-23B+ with flightdeck avionic upgrade under the "Avionics System Cockpit Upgrade" program, 43 modified.^[8]

C-23D

C-23C with upgraded avionics under the "Safety Avionics Modification" program from 2010, program was cancelled and only four aircraft were modified.^[8]

Operators[edit]

C-23B Sherpa in Iraq, 2004 Paratroopers on board a C-23 for training Sherpa C-23B+ Sherpa

 Philippines

• Philippine Army^[30]

 Djibouti

• Djibouti Air Force

 United States

• United States Air Force
• United States Army
  • Army National Guard
• NASA^[31]
• United States Forest Service

Civil operators[edit]

Former USAF and US Army aircraft have been sold to civil operators including:

 Philippines

• Royal Star Aviation^[8]

 United States

• Era Aviation^[8]
• Freedom Air^[8]
• Richland County Sheriffs Department (South Carolina)^[

[conehead]

10 minutes ago, Malcolm said:

With a range of 195 nm

How useful is that?

[Malcolm]

1 hour ago, conehead said:

How useful is that?

as I said, found on the internet  My research shows:

Operational range is approximately 770 miles with a service ceiling of 27,000 feet. The first C-23A began operational service with the USAF in 1985. USAF Sherpas operated until 1990.

[Kip Powick]

2 hours ago, conehead said:

How useful is that?

The original C-23 did have that range, 195 NM, and the reason for that was that the aircraft was assigned to carry cargo and a few personnel between all the USAF bases in Europe after WW II.

Then came a flood of variants and most notable was the fact that the aircraft went from a single tail to a twin tail with a rear ramp  and a cargo door on the side. 

The orignal C-23 had no side windows, they were incorporated in the second variant as Shorts C-23B and along with the mods were changes in structure, fuel load, range, and speed.

A similar sequence of events happened with the C-130 There was the C-130A, C-130B, C-130E, C-130H, and a C-130J

In actual fact there are over 40 varients of the Hercules out there  including the AC-130, the Hercules Gunship used in Vietnam. While stationed in Colorado Springs, I found that my neighbour across the street was a Spectre Gunship pilot and he told me he could put a cannon shell through my bathroom window from 10,000 feet !! (In Vietnam the slang for the AC130 was "Spooky")

The C-23, like the C-130, has/had a lot of varients and it is very difficult to distinquish one varient from another because, outwardly, most models look very similar but really aren't.

 

[J.O.]

On 3/26/2024 at 11:22 AM, conehead said:

How useful is that?

It sounds bad, but at its average cruise speed, that's like a three hour flight!

As a colleague once said, "The Shorts may not be pretty, but they sure are slow!"

Edited March 27 by J.O.

[W5]

5 hours ago, J.O. said:

 

As a colleague once said, "The Shorts may not be pretty, but they sure are slow!"

They have screens on the exhausts, in case of bird strikes from behind.