Tactical airlift - Definition and Overview

Tactical airlift is a military term for the airborne transportation of supplies and equipment within a theatre of operations (in contrast to strategic airlift). Aircraft which perform this role are referred to as tactical airlifters. These are typically turboprop aircraft, and feature short landing and take-off distances and low-pressure tyres allowing operations from small or poorly-prepared airstrips. While they lack the speed and range of strategic airlifters (which are typically jet-powered), these capabilities are invaluable within war zones.

Tactical airlift aircraft are highly manoeuvrable allowing low-altitude flight to avoid detection by radar and air-drop supplies. A Hercules has the same speed and rate-of-turn performance as a Second World War Spitfire. They are fitted with defensive aids systems to protect them from attack by surface-to-air missiles.

Examples of tactical airlifters include:

• Lockheed Martin/Alenia C-27 Spartan
• Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules
• Antonov An-12
• Airbus A400M

Note: The Airbus Military A400M, a tactical airlifter, does however blur the line between tactical and strategic transports. Airbus stresses its tactical performance but also its strategic capabilites; higher payload, higher range and higher speed than the Hercules. The table below demonstrates this status, the A-400 occupying a "middle ground" between the C-130 and the C-17. It is of course inferior to the C-17 Globemaster III in terms of strategic performance, but boasts improved tactical characteristics.