C-145A

Mission
The C-145A’s primary role is aircrew training for U.S. Special Operations Command’s Aviation Foreign Internal Defense mission to assess, train, advise and assist foreign aviation forces in airpower employment, sustainment and force integration. These mission sets are conducted by Air Force Special Operations Command’s Combat Aviation Advisers.

Features 
The C-145A is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft with twin vertical fins and a non-retractable tricycle landing gear capable of short takeoff and landings to unprepared runways. The C-145 is reconfigurable to support both airland and airdrop of cargo (max 2,400 lbs) and personnel, casualty evacuation, combat search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The C‑145A can carry a maximum of 16 passengers or 10 combat rigged paratroopers. Maximum cargo weight is 5,000 lbs, or up to four litter patients. Missions can be conducted to prepared and semi-prepared airfields around the world.

Background
Nicknamed "The Combat Coyote," the C-145A aircraft was originally bought to support the non-standard aviation mission in 2009. In 2010, Congress authorized the purchase of 16 light twin engine aircraft to support the AvFID mission. As a result, the C-145A was selected for this role. Due to Congressional budgetary constraints imposed in 2015, five aircraft remain in service for CAA aircrew training.
 
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Aviation Foreign Internal Defense and light mobility
Builder: PZL Mielec
Power Plant: Two Pratt and Whitney PT6A-65B Turboprops
Thrust: Takeoff power 1,100 shaft horsepower
Wingspan: 72 feet 4 inches
Length: 43 feet
Height: 16 feet 1 inch
Max Cruise Speed: 223 knots
Max Range: 1,010 nautical miles
Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet (with supplemental oxygen equipment)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 16,534 lbs. (7,500 kgs)
Crew: 3 (2 pilots, 1 loadmaster)
Unit Cost: Approx. $14M per aircraft
Inventory: Active duty,5; Reserve/ANG, 0

(Current as of July 2017)