De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has officially reintroduced the Sherpa utility airlifter to the international aviation community at the Farnborough International Airshow. Featured on static display throughout the event, the rugged twin-engine platform is being presented to a new generation of civil and military operators as the Canadian manufacturer explores future commercial opportunities and gauges global market demand for the versatile aircraft.
Originally developed by Short Brothers before the type certificate was acquired by De Havilland Canada in 2019, the Sherpa has earned an enduring reputation as a dependable workhorse across military transport, humanitarian aid, paratroop operations and specialized cargo missions. The aircraft’s return to Farnborough comes 52 years after its initial debut at the airshow in 1974, highlighting the strength of its underlying design and long-term operational relevance in remote environments.
Distinguished by its spacious square cross-section cabin, dual-use rear loading ramp and exceptional short take-off and landing (STOL) performance, the Sherpa is engineered to operate from short, unpaved and unprepared airfields where traditional regional transports cannot land. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65AR turboprop engines, the aircraft features a 7,280-pound payload capacity and a range of up to 650 nautical miles with a 5,000-pound load, offering operators flexible mission profiles for both tactical and commercial deployment.
Rob Mobilio, Chief Commercial Officer for De Havilland Canada, stated that the Sherpa remains a unique platform with capabilities that continue to address modern regional mobility challenges. He noted that its combination of durability, cargo access and ability to access constrained landing zones makes it an attractive asset for operators seeking reliable utility transport. The showcase at Farnborough reflects De Havilland Canada’s broader strategy of revitalizing proven, high-utility airframes—joining platforms like the Twin Otter and Canadair series—to meet specialized operational demands worldwide.
