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
Fairchild C-26 Metroliner
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1986–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · COLD WAR
24
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
70
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 Flight1986
- Service Entry Year1986
- Crew2
- Primary RoleTactical transport, rapid-response transport, electronic surveillance
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypeAllied Signal Garrett TPE-331-11U-601G
- Number of Engines2
- Power (each, turboprop)820 kW
▣Performance6MOD.6
- Cruise Speed530 km/h
- Top Speed532.645 km/h
- Service Ceiling9,448.8 m
- Maximum Range2,300 km
- Takeoff Run1,000 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity4MOD.4
- Maximum Payload2,500 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume10.2
- Troop Capacity19
- Rear Loading RampYes
◆Aerial Refueling2MOD.2
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length17.983 m
- Wingspan17.374 m
- Height4.877 m
- Empty Weight4,810 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight6,350.4 kg
⬢Production2MOD.2
- Operators7
- Variants7
▲Service History3MOD.3
- Retirement Year2023
- Production Start1986
- Operational StatusActive, not in production
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1986Production started
40
years in service
7
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory6country · 21units
21active
Fairchild C-26 MetrolinerSALES3records
| Year | Buyer | Quantity | Amount | Present Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — |  Venezuela | 2 | — | — |
| — |  Peru | 3 | — | — |
| — |  United States | 6 | — | — |
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
05 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
120TACTICAL TRANSPORTS24COLD WAR · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS1268UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS164PERFORMANCE/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