Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
C-54GM North Star
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · WORLD WAR II
14
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
78
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 Flight1944
- Service Entry Year1945
- Crew4
- Primary RoleTactical transport aircraft
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypeRolls-Royce Merlin 620 piston engines
- Number of Engines4
- Power (each, turboprop)1,193 kW
▣Performance7MOD.7
- Cruise Speed450 km/h
- Top Speed570 km/h
- Service Ceiling9,144 m
- Maximum Range6,300 km
- Range with Max Payload4,000 km
- Takeoff Run1,500 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity6MOD.6
- Maximum Payload10,000 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume43
- Troop Capacity43
- Paratroop Capacity26
- Vehicle Capacity2 jeeps or 12 stretchers
- Rear Loading RampYes
◆Aerial Refueling2MOD.2
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length28.9 m
- Wingspan35.8 m
- Height8.3 m
- Empty Weight19,640 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight32,658 kg
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built7
- Operators1
- Variants1
▲Service History4MOD.4
- Retirement Year1970
- Production Start1944
- Production End1950
- Operational StatusRetired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
- 1944Production started
- 1950Production ended
82
years in service
6
years in production
7
units produced
0
countries operating
ⓘ 3 countries retired it.
05 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · World War II
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
165TACTICAL TRANSPORTS14WORLD WAR II · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS47CANADA · ALL WEAPONS136PERFORMANCE/PRICE · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS
ⓘ Rankings are within theTactical Transportscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE2terms
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