Originally purchased for the USAF in the mid-1980's to ferry aircraft engines throughout Europe. With the draw down of US Forces in Europe, early '90's, the Sherpa was transferred to the US Army National Guard where it was quite popular with ground troops, especially throughout the Middle East. All have been retired as of 6/2014, this aircraft being the US Army's last fixed-wing tactical aircraft. Photographed in Rhode Island, 6/2011...
VTOL aircraft due to be replaced by the F-35B Lightning II
The last heavy piston-engine combat and bomber aircraft.
