C-145A Skytruck

Mission

The C-145A’s primary role is to enable CAA special air mobility Airmen to conduct U.S. Special Operations Command’s Aviation Foreign Internal Defense and Aviation Security Cooperation missions. AFSOC’s CAAs are tasked to assess, train, advise and assist foreign aviation forces in airpower employment, sustainment and force integration.

Features
The C-145A is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft with twin vertical fins and a non-retractable tricycle landing gear capable of short takeoff and landings to unprepared runways. The C-145A is reconfigurable to support both air, land and airdrop of cargo (max 2,400 pounds) and personnel, casualty evacuation, combat search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The C-145A can carry a maximum of 16 passengers or 10 combat rigged paratroopers. Maximum cargo weight is 5,000 pounds, or up to four litter patients. Missions can be conducted to prepared and semi-prepared airfields.

Background

The C-145A aircraft was originally procured in 2009 to conduct non-standard aviation special air mobility missions. In 2010, AFSOC selected the C-145A to be operated primarily by CAAs.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Light Special Air Mobility
Builder: PZL Mielec
Power Plant: Two Pratt and Whitney PT6A-65B Turboprops
Thrust: Takeoff power 1,100 shaft horsepower
Wingspan: 72 feet 4 inches
Length: 43 feet
Height: 16 feet 1 inch
Max Cruise Speed: 223 knots
Max Range: 1,010 nautical miles
Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet (with supplemental oxygen equipment)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 16,534 lbs. (7,500 kgs)
Crew: 3 (2 pilots, 1 loadmaster)
Unit Cost: Approx. $14M per aircraft
Inventory: Active duty, 5; Reserve/ANG, 0

(Current as of March 2021)

Units