Design work on the C-160 began in 1959 when Nord Aviation, Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, and Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke formed the Transall company in order to create a new transport aircraft for France, Germany, Turkey, and South Africa. The aircraft first flew on February 25th, 1963, and entered service in 1967. 214 were made before production ended in 1985. It has been a relatively successful aircraft, only being involved in one fatal crash. The C-160 has been operated as a tanker aircraft, command aircraft, and electronic warfare aircraft, and is still in service with France, Germany, and Turkey. However, it is being replaced by the Airbus A400M in the next few years.