French Transall Retirement

The retirement of the C-160 Transall from the French Air Force marks the end of an era for military aviation. After more than 55 years of service, this iconic transport aircraft made its final flight on March 31, 2022, concluding a career that began in 1967. On May 20, 2022, an official ceremony was held at Évreux Air Base 105 to pay tribute to this versatile aircraft, which served in numerous missions, both in France and abroad.

Fruitful Franco-German Cooperation


The C-160 Transall is the result of a collaboration between France and Germany aimed at developing a transport aircraft capable of meeting the military needs of both nations. Its design began in the late 1950s, and the first flight took place in 1963. The aircraft entered service in 1967, gradually replacing the Noratlas within the French Air Force. With a cargo carrying capacity of 16 tons and the ability to carry up to 91 passengers or 62 civilians in medical configuration, the Transall was a major asset for transport, parachute drops, and medical evacuation missions.

An Early End of Service


The retirement of the Transalls was decided due to their high maintenance costs and low availability. Indeed, around ten aircraft cost more than €80 million for an availability of only 20%. General Frédéric Parisot, Major General of the French Air Force, explained: "I am responsible for the retirement of the Transall 'Gabriel' and I accept responsibility for it." Rather than making cuts elsewhere, I chose to retire them from service."

The Joint Helicopter Group (GIH) is an elite French unit created on July 1, 2006, specializing in supporting and assisting the intervention forces of the Ministry of the Interior, notably the GIGN and the RAID. Attached to the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (RHFS), the GIH is based at Air Base 107 in Villacoublay.

A Transition to Modern Aircraft


To replace the C-160 Transall, the Air Force gradually integrated more modern and efficient aircraft. The A400M Atlas, with its 37-ton transport capacity and versatility, became the Transall's primary replacement. The C-130J Hercules was also introduced to supplement the fleet. However, the transition was not without challenges. The ramp-up of the A400M fleet was only partially completed in 2023, and transport aircraft availability declined from 65% in 2020 to 60% in 2021. The Air Force Performance Plan forecasts a significant increase in availability, reaching 80% by 2025, thanks to the continued ramp-up of the A400M fleet and the completion of its support.


A National Tribute


To celebrate the retirement of the C-160 Transall, a farewell tour was organized between March 14 and April 1, 2022. Aircraft 64-GL, wearing a special livery designed by designer Régis Rocca, visited 24 French cities and air bases, offering a final salute to the personnel who served alongside it. This tour concluded with an official ceremony at the Orléans-Bricy airbase, where the Transall flew over the base alongside its successor, the A400M Atlas.


I would like to particularly thank the Gendarmes , Army & Air Force personel for their accessibility and kindness, without their accreditations some photos would not have been possible !

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