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SOURCE: AFI

A rare sight recently graced Indian airspace: a C-146A Wolfhound belonging to the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft, originating from Delhi, was observed en route to an undisclosed destination within India.

The C-146A Wolfhound is a versatile tactical aircraft designed to provide flexible and responsive operational movement for small teams and cargo in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. Its primary mission involves airlift missions to prepared and semi-prepared airfields worldwide, executed by Air Force Special Operations Command aircrews.  

The aircraft’s configurable cabin allows for various passenger and cargo combinations, making it suitable for a range of missions. It can accommodate a maximum of 27 passengers, 6,000 pounds of cargo, or up to four litter patients.  

The C-146A is essentially a military variant of the Dornier 328 turboprop commuter airliner, modified to meet the specific requirements of military transport. Its twin-engine design and high-wing configuration provide excellent performance and maneuverability.  

The aircraft has been in continuous deployment since October 2011 and currently supports overseas contingency operations across four geographic combatant commands.

Its versatility and reliability have made it a valuable asset to the U.S. Air Force.

Key Specifications of the C-146A Wolfhound:

Inventory: Active Duty, 20; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0  

Primary function: Flexible, rapid, intra-theater mobility for special operations forces  

Builder: Dornier  

Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PW119C turboprop engines  

Wingspan: 68 feet 10 inches

Length: 69 feet 10 inches

Height: 23 feet 9 inches  

Speed: 270 knots

Range: Approximately 1,500 nautical miles with 2,000 pounds of cargo  

Ceiling: 31,000 feet  

Maximum takeoff weight: 30,843 pounds  

Crew: Two pilots and one loadmaster

Unit cost: $17.6 million