Germany converts retired Transall C-160Ds into firefighting aircraft

Total Aeronautical Services (TAS), a company based in Lower Saxony, is converting two retired German Air Force Transall C-160D transport aircraft into specialized firefighting planes. The project aims to address Germany’s shortage of aerial disaster relief resources, with the first aircraft expected to be operational for the summer 2027 wildfire season.

The first converted aircraft has been assigned the civil registration D-AMJT, making it the first C-160 in German history to fly under a civil registry. The conversion utilizes a Helitak tank installed in the cargo hold, capable of carrying approximately 14,000 liters of water or retardant. Unlike other systems, this tank discharges through the belly at rates of up to 3,000 liters per second and can be refilled on the ground in roughly three minutes.

A unique feature of these aircraft is the retention of Kevlar armor originally installed for military operations. TAS believes this armor will allow the planes to operate safely over terrain contaminated by unexploded ordnance, where ground-based firefighting may be too dangerous. The project is being supported by the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) and the Bundeswehr procurement agency (BAAINBw).