Dornier C-146 Wolfhound

History of the Dornier C-146 Wolfhound

The Dornier Do 328 twin-engine turboprop civilian regional aircraft was the basis for the U.S. military's C-146 "Wolfhound" transport aircraft. The modified aircraft is used by U.S. Special Operations Command (U.S.

SOCOM) for forward transport missions, performing various special forces support missions. The series has been in continuous use at this branch since October 2011 and continues to play a key role in global use.

The aircraft retains much of the form and function that made the Type 328 a commercial success. It relies on two powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW119C series turboprop engines to drive a multi-blade propeller unit to produce the required performance and has excellent short-field/rough-field characteristics that allow it to satisfy both prepared and unprepared The needs of out-of-control people. The high wing assemblies of the main aircraft provide the necessary lift and drag and amplify these characteristics.

The two crew members sit side by side in the cockpit, which is located behind a short, sloping nose cone assembly that provides excellent visibility. Additionally, the fuselage features a proven T-tail assembly and short-legged tricycle landing gear.

Internally, the aircraft can be configured to carry passengers (up to 27 people) or cargo (up to 6,000 pounds), or both. Various cargo configurations are available for modularity and mission flexibility. In addition, the platform can be equipped to perform medical evacuation missions to take the injured out of danger and to safety and medical supplies (up to four litters can be carried).

A dedicated Loadmaster crew manages the hold and its contents.

Each engine produces 2,282 horsepower, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of 310 mph and a range of up to 1,500 nautical miles. Service is capped at 31,000 feet.

Currently (2021) USSOCOM operates 20 active C-146A variants, currently operating in four major commands worldwide.

Specification

BASIC

Years in Service

2000

Origins

Germany

Status

Active.

Crew

3

Production

20

Manufacturer

Dornier - Germany

Operators

United States

Roles

Special Mission: MEDEVAC

Extraction of wounded combat or civilian elements through specialized shipboard equipment and available internal volume or external carrying capacity.

Transportation

General transport function for moving supplies/cargo or people (including casualties and VIPs) out of range.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Special Forces

Serve special forces/special operations forces and missions.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

69.7ft

(21.25m)

Width/span

68.9 feet

(21.00m)

Height

23. 1 ft

(7.05m)

Cured weight

20,062 lbs

(9,100 kg)

MTOW

30,865 lbs

(14,000 kg)

Wgt Difference

+?10,803

(+4,900 kg)

Performance

Installed:

2 x Pratt & Whitney PW119C turboprops, 2,180 hp each, driving six-bladed propeller units.

Maximum speed

217 km/h

(350 km/h | 189 kn)

Maximum

31,168 feet

(9,500 m | 6 km)

Area

1,153 km

(1,855 km | 3,435 nautical miles)

Range (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

Armor

None. Accommodates up to 27 passengers or 6,000 pounds of interior cargo. There are also four patient stretchers when used for medical evacuation missions.

Variant

C-146 "Wolfhound" - name of the basic series; based on the Dornier 328 turboprop airliner series.