The first upgraded Sherpa SD3-60 has now been delivered to the US Forest Service following Field Aerospace's receipt of an STC to install an avionics upgrade on four Forest Service Sherpas. The STC, which was approved by the FAA on 12 September, will modernise the aircraft's flight deck and improve its mission capabilities.

Field Aerospace integrated and installed the Garmin G950 NXi flight deck, conducted FAA-witnessed ground and flight tests and completed the STC certification. Field's FAA-authorised organisation designation authorisation issued the STC for this first Sherpa.

The next three aircraft are currently in the workshop at Field Aerospace's Oklahoma City facility. This four-aircraft programme includes an option to complete the flight deck modernisation on up to 15 US Forest Service Sherpas.

The G950 NXi flight deck is designed to significantly enhance the aircraft's flight and navigational capabilities as well as improving the safety and efficiency of firefighting operations. It includes a glass cockpit, weather radar, digital audio system, VHF-FM tactical radio, large screen Synthetic Vision, ADS-B Out, TCAS, a terrain awareness and warning system, Mode S extended squitter and LPV. The modified aircraft will be better equipped to support wildland fire operations, including smokejumper, passenger and cargo missions.

“This was a challenging integration of modern digital avionics into an older analogue-based aircraft, but has yielded a functionally advanced and aesthetically pleasing cockpit system,” states Oklahoma City VP of operations and general manager John Taylor. “We are very proud to have achieved this major milestone and are even more proud to support the vital mission that the Forest Service performs for our country.”

The US Forest Service received 15 SD3-60 Sherpa (C-23B variant) aircraft from the US Army in early 2014 to use as smokejumpers and to transport cargo, paracargo and firefighters. The Sherpa has a rear door that can open while in flight for paracargo and jumpers.