FSX Shorts Sherpa

The Shorts Sherpa stands out as a twin-engine turboprop aircraft built for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, featuring a robust cargo ramp and versatile fuselage. This freeware package includes a complete base model for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, highlighting custom avionics, a detailed virtual cockpit, comprehensive animations, two liveries, and extensive documentation for smooth flight deck management. Created by Jean-Pierre Brisard, Barry Blaisdell, and Bob May of Premier Aircraft Design, this release delivers realistic handling and design fidelity that fits both cargo and passenger missions.

Notable Flight Deck and Cabin Layout

Custom Panel and Virtual Cockpit (VC): Features fully operational gauges, labeled switches, and interactive displays. The cockpit framing is carefully rendered, and the rear cabin area is modeled to represent cargo and passenger seating configurations.

Loading Ramp Access: The rear door is hydraulically controlled, providing functional cargo loading options. This ramp aids in simulating day-to-day transport duties often encountered by the real-world Shorts Sherpa during military and commercial flights.

Sound and Visual Effects: Authentic turboprop audios add an immersive ambiance during engine startup and shutdown. Exhaust smoke is toggled by pressing the I key, giving a visual cue of powerplant output.

Twin Turboprop STOL Characteristics

• High-Lift Wings: Designed to handle short or rugged airstrips, reflecting the STOL qualities found in the real aircraft.
• Robust Landing Gear: Allows operations on semi-prepared runways, mirroring the military versatility of this platform.

Liveries That Capture Two Distinct Roles

This release features the US Army National Guard variant for military-oriented transport tasks, and the Arctic Circle Air scheme that embodies cold-region cargo movements. Both paintworks come preconfigured, so simmers can easily toggle between roles.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Locate the downloaded ZIP file and open it (preferably in WinZip Classic Mode).
2. Select all contents (CTRL + A) to ensure every file is extracted.
3. Click the “Extract” button and choose your main FSX folder path (commonly C:/Program Files/Microsoft Games/Microsoft Flight Simulator X).
4. Confirm the “Use folder names” option is enabled so the structured directories are created properly.
5. Complete extraction and load up the simulator to find your new Shorts Sherpa ready for duty.

Essential Usage Notes

Door and Ramp Controls: Press SHIFT + E to open or close the passenger door (there is no separate crew door). For added cargo space, utilize SHIFT + E + 2 to swing open the baggage or cargo doors on certain versions, though the large cargo door is not included in all variants.

Visibility and Setup: Toggle the yoke in the VC by hitting SHIFT + W (in FSX, use CTRL + W). Increase seat height with SHIFT + ENTER for better forward visibility during taxi and short-field takeoffs.

Optimum Prop Appearance: Adjust propeller transparency in flight by pressing CTRL + F2 a few times. This helps replicate what pilots observe when the propellers spin at operational RPM.

Virtual Cockpit Eyepoint Adjustments

Move viewpoint into cabin

CTRL + ENTER (press and hold)

Shift seat forward

CTRL + BACKSPACE

Shift seat backward

CTRL + ENTER

Seat height up

SHIFT + ENTER

Seat height down

SHIFT + BACKSPACE

Slide viewpoint left

CTRL + SHIFT + BACKSPACE

Slide viewpoint right

CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER

Reset perspective

SPACE

Additional Notes and Documents

Inside the documents folder, a flying_tips file provides in-depth operational nuances. Turning on Tool Tips within the simulator (Options > Settings > General > Show Tool Tips) reveals on-screen hints for panel elements. These references are beneficial for refining your approaches, handling techniques, and overall familiarization with the Shorts Sherpa’s cockpit layout.

Developers and Acknowledgments

Full credit goes to Jean-Pierre Brisard, Barry Blaisdell, and Bob May of Premier Aircraft Design for making this freeware package possible. Their dedication to detail in both interior and exterior modeling, combined with properly tuned flight dynamics, allows simmers to experience the capabilities of this turboprop transport in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.