AFSOC C-146A Wolfhound

A C-146A Wolfhound transport aircraft taxis down a runway, January 2015.

The C-146A is a military variant of the Dornier 328 turboprop-powered aircraft more commonly used as a commercial airliner.

Within United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), the aircraft is used in the non-standard aviation role i.e. covert insertion, extraction and resupply of special operations forces.

AFSOC operate a fleet of light and medium intra-theater aircraft that include the U-28A, C-145A Skytruck and C-146A Wolfhound.

In the military role, the C-146A has been configured with special NVG-compatible lighting in the flight deck and cabin.

While not publicly disclosed, the C-146A is likely to include a secure communications fitment as well as the capability to fit a defensive aids system (DAS).

The C-146A's cabin can be reconfigured with different passenger and cargo combinations, including a casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) setup.

It can carry up to 27 passengers or 6,000 pounds of cargo or 4 CASEVAC patients on litters.

Performance wise, the Wolfhound has a ceiling of 31,000 feet, a range of approx 1,800 nautical miles with 2,000 pounds of cargo and a top speed of 335 mph (291 kts).

The Wolfhound is operated by a number of AFSOC Special Operations Squadrons (SOS), including the 524th SOS and as of fall 2015, the 49th SOS.