A pair of camouflaged British Aerospace 146s being unloaded at a forward airstrip adjacent to a desert oasis, a military vehicle and an artillery piece emerging from the side loading door of one, troops pouring forth from the other. Behind them, Puma and other helicopters go about their business in this air-land operation. It's the stuff of artistic fantasy, of course. But the scene depicted on the brochure for BAe's dedicated military freighter version of its four-jet regional airliner was one the maker hoped to see replicated in the real world. That period publicity material detailed how the 146 STA, the Side-Loading Tactical Airlifter, was intended to be more than just a mere transport. Yes, it could haul military freight, up to a 22,7501b payload in bulk or palletised form, and take up to 80 personnel in standard seating or 64 fully equipped infantry. It was able to carry out drops of paratroops and supplies, the 'T-tail' arrangement being touted as of particular value in allowing a clear exit trajectory. And for casualty evacuation, the cabin could be reconfigured to accommodate 18 stretcher cases and 26 seated wounded. But BAe also touted its suitability as a two- point air-to-air refuelling tanker, a search and rescue support aircraft or a mobile command post. It saw the STA very much as a multi-mission platform.
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