Transall C-160

Twin Turboprop

The Transall C-160 is a twin-turboprop tactical military transport developed jointly by France and Germany during the 1960s, with "Transall" derived from Transporter Allianz. First flown in 1963, it was designed to replace the aging Nord Noratlas fleet and provide both nations with a rugged airlifter capable of operating from short, unprepared airstrips in forward areas. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprops delivering over 6,000 shaft horsepower each, the C-160 can carry up to 16 tonnes of cargo or 93 fully equipped troops, with a rear loading ramp enabling rapid deployment of vehicles, palletized freight, and paratroopers. Its high-wing configuration and strong landing gear made it a workhorse for humanitarian missions, troop transport, and tactical resupply across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Over 200 aircraft were built in two production runs, with the second-generation C-160NG (Nouvelle Génération) featuring upgraded avionics, increased fuel capacity, and in-flight refueling capability. France retired its fleet in 2022 after nearly six decades of service, while Germany continues limited operations. The type saw extensive action in Chad, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Mali, proving its versatility in both combat and disaster-relief roles. Though never exported beyond the original consortium nations and Turkey, the C-160 remains a symbol of European defense cooperation and tactical airlift capability. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators over routes.