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
Convair C-131 Samaritan
Category
Country
Production
1954–1956
Quantity
512
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · EARLY COLD WAR
40
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
88
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 Flight1949
- Service Entry Year1950
- Crew3
- Primary Rolemedical evacuation and VIP transport
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypePratt & Whitney R-2800-99 "Double Wasp"
- Number of Engines2
- Power (each, turboprop)1,864 kW
▣Performance5MOD.5
- Cruise Speed408.737 km/h
- Top Speed471.496 km/h
- Service Ceiling7,467.6 m
- Maximum Range2,100 km
- Unpaved / Short FieldNo
◇Cargo & Capacity4MOD.4
- Maximum Payload6,800 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume24.5
- Troop Capacity48
- Rear Loading RampNo
◆Aerial Refueling2MOD.2
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length24.079 m
- Wingspan32.004 m
- Height8.534 m
- Empty Weight13,266.893 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight21,319.2 kg
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built512
- Operators4
- Variants131
▲Service History4MOD.4
- Retirement Year1990
- Production Start1954
- Production End1956
- Operational Statusretired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1954Production started
- 1956Production ended
72
years in service
2
years in production
512
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 3 countries retired it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
05 / Operators
Operator Countries4country
06 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
144TACTICAL TRANSPORTS40EARLY COLD WAR · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS1489UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS61PERFORMANCE/PRICE · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS
ⓘ Rankings are within theTactical Transportscategory.
📚 Sources