Editing Transall C-160 (section)

===Upgrades and improvements===
An updated second generation of the C-160 was produced during the 1980s. Amongst changes made, the new variant was equipped with additional fuel tankage, aerial refuelling probes and enhanced avionics.<ref name ="chant 472"/> While there were considerable changes to instrumentation, including the navigational and autopilot systems, the second generation C-160 retained the original operating characteristics to simplify crew transfers between types. The second generation C-160s were also designed for potential adaptation to other roles such as maritime patrol and aerial fire fighting.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1980/1980%20-%203472.html?search=transall "C-160 "Military – Fixed Wing."] ''Flight International'', 15 November 1980. p. 1885.</ref>

[[File:50+61 German Air Force Transall C-160D ILA Berlin 2016 17.jpg|thumb|left|A [[German Air Force]] Transall at [[ILA Berlin Air Show|ILA]] 2016]]
The C-160 proved to be a versatile aircraft, leading to a long operational service life. Between its introduction and 1999, approximately 2000 modifications and upgrades were incorporated upon the type, split 60/40 between the structure and equipment respectively.<ref name="blum 4">Blumschein 1999, p. A26-4.</ref> Many changes were made over time in regards to the aircraft's avionics, incorporating new features such as [[GPS]] and laser inertial navigation systems, modern autopilot and crew management systems.<ref name="blum 4-5">Blumschein 1999, p. A26-4-5.</ref>

Other improvements and additions to the type include [[kevlar]] armour, electronic warfare management systems, chaff/flare dispensers, missile approach warning systems and [[TCAS]] collision warning system.<ref name="blum 4-5"/> Extensive efforts have been made by both France and Germany to extend the aircraft's operating lifespan up to and if necessary beyond 55 years to 2018.<ref name="blum 1-3">Blumschein 1999, p. A26-1-3.</ref> In 2003–2004, Germany signed separate contracts with [[Terma A/S]] and [[Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems|Northrop Grumman]] to upgrade the aircraft's electronic warfare self-protection and [[Missile Approach Warning|missile approach warning systems]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Terma Signs $16 Million Contract With EADS For C-160 EW/Protection Suites.(Brief Article)|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-111535786.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222031706/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-111535786.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2016|work=Defense Daily|publisher=Access Intelligence|access-date=4 March 2013|date=18 November 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Fiszer, Michal|title=Luftwaffe Transalls receiving modernized countermeasures suites.(EUROPEAN REPORT)(Northrop Grumman Corp. bags a contract)|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-126317463.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222051017/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-126317463.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2016|work=Journal of Electronic Defense|publisher=Horizon House Publications |access-date=4 March 2013|date=1 May 2004}}</ref>
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