In the autumn of 1982 firm Short declared for the first time working out of the multi-purpose plane which has received name Sherpa. The first flight of the plane has taken place on December, 23rd, 1982 From passenger it differs a folding cargo stage in a tail part of a fuselage. In a plane cabin transportation of 26 parachutists-commandoes or cargoes in weight to 3,6 т, for example one engine for a fighter is possible. Planes Sherpa are on arms of the Air Forces of the Great Britain, and also the Air Forces and National guards of the USA. For passenger-and-freight transportations the plane 330UTT, representing plane Sherpa updating, but calculated on transportation to 30 passengers or four containers LD3 has been created.
The plane is equipped by a usual complex of avionics with electromechanical means of indication. Are established by 2 engines Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-45R (capacity of 1200 h.p., diameter of air screws - 2,82 m.). It was produced in lots in 1974-1984 of All it has been constructed 136, in operation is nearby 50.