The C-27J Spartan is the result of collaboration between Alenia Aeronautica and Lockheed Martin. Now in full production, it uses the technology and experience in military transport aircraft acquired by the two companies in the C-130, C-5, C-141 and G-222 programmes.
Between them, Alenia Aeronautica and Lockheed Martin have delivered more than 2,400 military transports in more than 65 countries.
The C-27J is the most advanced programme of the new military tactical transport airlift generation. Its capabilities include troop movement, cargo and sanitary material transport, cargo and parachutists launches, maritime patrol, SAR (Search and Rescue) and fire-fighting.
It is capable of taking off and landing from airstrips 500m (1,600ft) long, with a maximum takeoff weight of 31,800kg (70,000lb). It can carry 62 soldiers and their equipment or 46 parachutists and, in the air ambulance version, 36 stretchers and six medical assistants.
Advantageous
The C-27J has been ordered by the Italian air force (12 units) and Greek air force (another 12).
Following a recent tour of the USA and Canada, the C-27J is in a strong position to replace the US National Guard's fleet of more than 40 C-23 Sherpas and the Canadian Forces' SAR fleet of Buffalos and C-130H.
The Canadians could buy 15 units of the aircraft they termed the "economically and technically most advantageous" answer to their requirements.
Source: Flight Daily News
