The C-145 is a STOL multipurpose utility and SOF proficiency training aircraft based on the Polish-built PZL Mielec M-28 Skytruck.
The high-wing STOL aircraft features nonretractable landing gear for austere operations. USSOCOM assets are operated by AFSOC as a nonstandard fleet, initially supporting small combat teams. The aircraft first deployed in 2011 to Afghanistan. It is reconfigurable for 2,400 lb of cargo airdrop, casualty evacuation, CSAR, and humanitarian missions.
C-145As later shifted to partnership capacity building Aviation Foreign Internal Defense (AvFID) missions. AFSOC now uses contract aircraft to provide partner countries with more tailored assistance and opted to cut the fleet from 16 to the current five aircraft in 2015.
USSOCOM evaluated the armed MC-145 Coyote as one of five types considered to replace the U-28A before ultimately selecting the AT-802U Sky Warden. C-145s provided aircrew proficiency for combat aviation advisers until the command began divesting the remaining fleet in FY23. The 711th Special Operations Squadron at Duke flew the type’s last operational sortie before retirement on Dec. 15, 2022.
Contractor: PZL Mielec (Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky subsidiary).
First Flight: July 1993 (PZL M-28).
Delivered: 2009-2013.
IOC: N/A.
Production: 16.
Inventory: Five, USSOCOM-owned.
Operator: AFSOC, AFRC (associate).
Aircraft Location: Duke Field, Fla.
Active Variant: •C-145A. Militarized civilian M-28 Skytruck used for SOF support and training.
Dimensions: Span 72.3 ft, length 43 ft, height 16.1 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 16,534 lb.
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65B turboprops, 1,100 shp.
Performance: Speed 256.5 mph, range 1,010 miles.
Ceiling: 25,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, one loadmaster.
Load: 16 passengers or 10 paratroopers; up to four litters; max cargo 5,000 lb.