First C-146A Wolfhound for the 352nd Special Operations Wing has arrived at RAF Mildenhall.
December 8, 2024
The decision to activate a Wolfhound unit at RAF Mildenhall was reportedly taken in March 2024. The aim is to increase US European Command’s special operations capability within Europe and forward-basing the C-146A at RAF Mildenhall will speed up response times for a range of missions. The C-146A will join the MC-130J Commando II and CV-22B Osprey aircraft currently operated by the 352nd Special Operations Wing.
The C-146A Wolfhound is a military derivative of the Fairchild-Dornier 328 turboprop commuter airliner. The twin-engined, high-wing aircraft is modified to permit cargo, personnel transport and casualty evacuation missions, with a configurable cabin. The aircraft has been continuously deployed since October 2011 and currently supports overseas contingency operations across four geographic combatant commands.
Its primary mission is to provide US Special Operations Command with reliable, responsive, and flexible airlift support to US (special) operations worldwide, carrying small teams and cargo. The aircraft can use prepared and semi-prepared airfields and often operate in austere and remote locations that are not routinely serviced by traditional logistics organisations and aircraft.
Some 20 C-146As are currently in service, and up to now these have served with the
919th SOW’s 859th SOS and the 492nd SOW’s 524th SOS at Duke Field, Eglin AFB, Florida.
