Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
C-160 first generation
Category
Prime contractor
Production
1965–1985
Quantity
214
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · COLD WAR
30
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
80
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the tactical transports category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Flight1963
- Service Entry Year1967
- Crew3
- Primary Rolestrategic and tactical airlift
- In ServiceNo
◈Powerplant4MOD.4
- Engine TypeRolls‑Royce Tyne turboprop
- Number of Engines2
- Thrust (each)33
- Power (each, turboprop)4,500 kW
▣Performance7MOD.7
- Cruise Speed750 km/h
- Top Speed810 km/h
- Service Ceiling9,500 m
- Maximum Range2,700 km
- Range with Max Payload1,720 km
- Takeoff Run1,200 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity7MOD.7
- Maximum Payload16,000 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume115
- Troop Capacity70
- Paratroop Capacity90
- Vehicle Capacity16 t cargo or 70 troops
- Pallet Positions2
- Rear Loading RampYes
◆Aerial Refueling3MOD.3
- Aerial TankerYes
- Refueling Method (boom/drogue)probe‑and‑drogue
- In-Flight RefuelableYes
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length33.8 m
- Wingspan40.9 m
- Height11.5 m
- Empty Weight30,000 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight45,000 kg
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built214
- Operators5
- Variants7
▲Service History4MOD.4
- Retirement Year2022
- Production Start1965
- Production End1985
- Operational Statusretired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1965Production started
- 1966First deployment: South African Border War
- 1985Production ended
61
years in service
20
years in production
214
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ 7 countries retired it.
05 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
ⓘ Rankings are within theTactical Transportscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE4terms
Aerial tanker: military aircraft equipped to refuel other aircraft in flight using a system of hoses or booms.
Capable of receiving fuel from another aircraft while in flight, extending its operational range and endurance.
A hinged rear fuselage section on military transport aircraft that lowers to enable direct loading/unloading of cargo or vehicles from the aircraft's tail.
Ability to take off and land on unpaved or short runways.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources