Alenia and Lockheed Martin signed a preliminary agreement covering the development of the C-27J Spartan derivative of the G222 in February 1996. This is a substantial upgrade of the basic aircraft, with considerably improved avionics and modified engines. The project is, however, dependent on it being included as part of the Lockheed Martin C-130J offset package for the Italian air force. Production of the twin-turboprop G222 tactical transport, which ended early in 1989, was restarted after the aircraft was selected for the USAF's ten-aircraft C-27A programme.
With the aircraft back in production, Alenia has also studied versions for AEW, maritime patrol, drone launch/direction and in-flight refuelling.
Source: Flight International
