The numbers 81 and 55 in the capacity specification refer to which categories?

• A. Ground troops and paratroops
• B. Crew and passengers
• C. Cargo and passengers
• D. Aircrew and ground personnel

Answer: (A)

These numbers come from a coding system used in capacity planning to identify the type of personnel the aircraft is carrying. Instead of labeling loads as generic crew, passengers, or cargo, the codes pin down specific military personnel categories. The codes in question correspond to two troop categories: ground troops and paratroops. Ground troops are soldiers transported for deployment, while paratroops are troops intended for airborne insertion. The distinction matters for how the aircraft is prepared and loaded, including embarkation and exit considerations specific to troops. The other options mix categories (such as aircrew or civilian passengers) that aren’t what these particular codes are signaling.