PZL M28 C-145A Combat Coyote
PZL Mielec · Poland · first flew 2011 · transport aircraft
The C-145A Combat Coyote is the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) designation for the Polish PZL M28 Skytruck, a twin-turboprop STOL transport derived from the Antonov An-28. AFSOC used the type for training foreign air forces in light transport and special operations airlift.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Short-field capable with large rear cargo ramp and slab-sided fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- USAF AFSOC designation for the Polish PZL M28 Skytruck
- Twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprops on high straight wing
- Short-field capable with large rear cargo ramp and slab-sided fuselage
Identified by its high straight wing, twin PT6A turboprops, boxy slab-sided fuselage with a rear cargo ramp, and the very wide-span wing relative to the short fuselage — giving a characteristic 'broad-shouldered' appearance.
Specifications
- The PZL M28 C-145A Combat Coyote has a length of 13.1 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 22.06 m (72 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 335 km/h (208 mph).
- Typical crew: 2+17.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
AFSOC procured a small fleet of C-145As from PZL Mielec from around 2009 to support the Aviation Foreign Internal Defense (AvFID) mission, training partner-nation aircrews on a simple, affordable turboprop transport. The aircraft operated from Hurlburt Field, Florida, and deployed to Afghanistan and Africa. The USAF retired the C-145A in 2014.
Variants
The base PZL M28 Skytruck serves in Polish military and civilian roles; the C-145A is the AFSOC-specific configuration with enhanced avionics and mission equipment.
Where you'll see it
Served with USAF AFSOC from approximately 2009 to 2014 and was also operated by the Polish Air Force as the M28 Bryza.
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- Dornier C-146A Wolfhound
- Tupolev Tu-214ON
- Bombardier E-11A
- Embraer Legacy 500
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