TRANSALL C-160 - The FLYING MULE - Low-poly 3D model

Perfect for use in games and simulation projects.

The Transall C-160 is a twin-engine military transport aircraft developed in the 1960s as a joint project between France and Germany, with later contributions from Turkey. The name Transall comes from the consortium that designed and built the aircraft, Transporter Allianz, which included the companies Nord Aviation (France), Weser Flugzeugbau (Germany), and Hamburger Flugzeugbau (Germany). It was designed to meet the need for a medium-sized tactical airlifter capable of carrying cargo, personnel, and vehicles over long distances while being able to operate from short and unprepared airstrips.

The aircraft features a high-wing configuration, providing good ground clearance and unobstructed cargo loading. Its fuselage is spacious, allowing it to transport up to 16 tons of cargo, 93 equipped troops, or 88 paratroopers. The C-160 also includes a rear-loading ramp, making it well-suited for airdropping supplies and rapid loading and unloading of vehicles. For medical evacuation missions, it can carry up to 62 stretchers with accompanying medical personnel.

The C-160 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprop engines, each producing about 6,100 horsepower. These engines provide the aircraft with a maximum speed of around 513 km/h (319 mph) and a range of approximately 1,800 to 2,200 km (1,100 to 1,400 miles) depending on the payload. With in-flight refueling capabilities, later variants were able to extend their operational range significantly.

Designed for rugged operations, the aircraft has reinforced landing gear, allowing it to take off and land on unprepared runways, including dirt or grass strips. This made it ideal for military logistics, humanitarian aid missions, and operations in remote or conflict-stricken areas. The C-160 also had a pressurized cabin, allowing it to operate at high altitudes while maintaining comfort for passengers and crew.

The aircraft was introduced into service in the late 1960s and played a key role in multiple military and humanitarian operations worldwide. It was used by the air forces of France, Germany, Turkey, and South Africa. Over time, several specialized variants were developed, including electronic warfare, aerial refueling, and SIGINT (signals intelligence) versions.

Despite its reliability and versatility, the C-160 gradually became outdated compared to modern transport aircraft with greater payload capacity and fuel efficiency. It was largely replaced by the Airbus A400M in European air forces, though some remained in service until the early 2020s, particularly in roles that required operations from short or rough runways. The C-160 remains an important part of aviation history due to its contributions to military logistics, peacekeeping efforts, and disaster relief operations worldwide.

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