Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
Curtiss C-46 Commando
Category
Country
Production
1941–1945
Quantity
3,181
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · WORLD WAR II
2
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 Flight1940
- Service Entry Year1941
- Crew4
- Primary Rolecargo and troop transport
- In ServiceNo
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypePratt & Whitney R-2800-51 Double Wasp
- Number of Engines2
- Power (each, turboprop)1,491 kW
▣Performance7MOD.7
- Cruise Speed278 km/h
- Top Speed435 km/h
- Service Ceiling7,467 m
- Maximum Range3,200 km
- Range with Max Payload2,500 km
- Takeoff Run1,800 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity6MOD.6
- Maximum Payload14,000 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume100
- Troop Capacity40
- Paratroop Capacity40
- Vehicle Capacityup to 40 troops or 14 t cargo
- Rear Loading RampYes
◆Aerial Refueling2MOD.2
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length23.165 m
- Wingspan31 m
- Height6.63 m
- Empty Weight13,911 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight20,411 kg
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built3,181
- Operators12
- Variants9
▲Service History4MOD.4
- Retirement Year1968
- Production Start1940
- Production End1945
- Operational Statusretired from US military service (1968), limited civilian use
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1939First deployment: World War II
- 1941Production started
- 1942Entered service
- 1945Production ended
85
years in service
4
years in production
3,181
units produced
13
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 8 countries retired it.
05 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · World War II
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
81TACTICAL TRANSPORTS2WORLD WAR II · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS1015UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS122PERFORMANCE/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