Tag Archives: C-27J Spartan

Air, Air Force, Cargo

C-27J Next Generation

Leonardo has begun the final testing of the C-27J Next Generation which features new equipment, a new avionics system and advanced aerodynamic devices, these will enhance the existing high performance of the aircraft. The first C-27J Spartan in the new configuration will be delivered to an undisclosed customer in 2021.

C-27J Next Generation
The successful C-27J Spartan sheds its skin to reach new performance heights

The performance and reliability of the C-27J Spartan continues to evolve as the best response to its customers’ needs. Pushing on the aircraft’s versatility and mission flexibility, the C-27J Spartan offers an ever-increasing range of mission solutions, which adapt in response to new challenges faced by operators. A true force enabler, its unrivalled multi-mission capabilities are key in presenting the latest evolution of the Spartan as a cost-effective solution and an intelligent investment for nations, which are selecting it for their military, as well as civil protection requirements.

Marco Zoff, Leonardo Aircraft Division’s Managing Director, said: «The enhanced C-27J brings the unrivalled quality and capabilities of the Spartan to the next, higher level. Its operators will benefit from modern avionics, increased performance and efficiency. The Spartan embodies the essence of national security, proving to be the best asset for armed forces’ defence operations and for their fundamental contribution to population support and disaster relief». In a world hit this year by the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies international media have extensively reported on the C-27J’s relentless and effective support to communities in need. Mr. Zoff also added: «Our customers have discovered in this aircraft an element of social inclusion, because it is the only aircraft capable to reach people in the most remote rural areas of their nations».

Leonardo is committed to serving and protecting communities around the world, contributing to their sustainable growth by leading in next generation technologies. Partnering with Governments, private organizations and industries for the best security and safety capabilities is a cornerstone of Leonardo’s BeTomorrow2030 Strategic Plan.

Already acknowledged as the most effective multi-mission military transport aircraft in its class, the C-27J Next Generation today features comprehensive new avionics and aerodynamic developments with new winglets, for improved operational efficiency and even better performance. Mission-proven across all continents with a number of prime air forces, the Spartan is operated in the world’s most demanding operational environments – from the Andes to Afghanistan – for military transport, cargo and paratroopers air drop, last tactical mile troop support, special operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

C-27J Spartan
The first enhanced aircraft will be delivered to an undisclosed customer in 2021

The brand-new avionics system of the C-27J Next Generation is designed to comply with Next Generation Air Traffic Control requirements, including Future Air Navigation System (FANS) 1/A+ datalink; Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) 7.1; Instrument Landing System (ILS) Cat.II; enhanced video Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS). New cockpit displays; new weather radar; new radio navigation; enhanced satellite communications and radio communication capabilities; new intercommunication system; new cockpit and cargo panels; Mode 5 Friend or Foe/ Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (IFF/ADS-B) out and tactical Vertical Navigation (VNAV) and Search and Rescue; lighting system with Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) technology have also been included. Moreover, former avionics and general systems interface boxes have been replaced with new equipment by Leonardo’s Electronics. The new baseline configuration is also offered as a retrofit to current operators wanting to upgrade their C-27J Spartan fleet capabilities.

Thanks to its exceptional structural strength and systems redundancy, the C-27J Spartan offers unique qualities of ruggedness, reliability, outstanding survivability and manoeuvrability. Its capability to operate from the most rudimentary airstrips, performing Short Take-Offs and Landings (STOL) in extreme environmental conditions is enhanced by the winglets, while Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides an independent power source, which can restart engines in flight, or make the aircraft autonomous and self-reliable during deployment missions at improvised airfields.

The aircraft can be equipped with a Defensive Aids Sub-Systems suite, secure communications and ballistic protection in order to operate in high threat environments.

Thanks to its multiple roll-on/roll-off mission kits and systems, the C-27J Spartan can be quickly configured and reconfigured to carry out a wide range of tasks, including a tactical transport, maritime patrol, even incorporating Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) or Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C3ISR) tasks. As a tactical transport aircraft, its capabilities include transport of troops, cargo, paratroops and cargo airdrop, Medical Evacuation/Casualty Evacuation (Medevac/Casevac), VIP, but can also carry out operations of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and fire-fighting, thanks to its fast operational reconfiguration.

Air Force

Australian Spartan

April 18, 2018, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) welcomed the 10th and final C-27J Spartan into service during a ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond.

Delivery of the C-27J Spartan battlefield aircraft completed
Delivery of the C-27J Spartan battlefield aircraft completed

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, congratulated RAAF on completing the upgrade to the Australian Defence Force’s comprehensive fleet of air mobility platforms.

Minister Payne said the Spartan was a highly versatile aircraft that would enhance battlefield airlift capability of the Australian Defence Force.

«The Spartan provides flexibility to Defence operations, allowing us to land at airfields that are smaller or unsuitable for our much larger transport aircraft like the C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster», Minister Payne said.

«The Spartan can carry up to five tonnes of cargo and is capable of moving troops, equipment and supplies; conducting aero-medical evacuation missions and conducting air drops».

Minister Payne said the Spartans are currently operated by No. 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond and would relocate to RAAF Base Amberley in early 2019.

«The relocation to Amberley will allow No. 35 Squadron to work from facilities purpose-built for the Spartan, and to be more responsive when deploying across Australia and into the Asia Pacific», Minister Payne said.

Minister Pyne said Australia’s defence industry would provide important sustainment support for the capability.

«Northrop Grumman Australia has been selected to provide through-life support to the fleet», Minister Pyne said. «In addition, Fibre Tech Solutions has delivered a cargo restraint system for use on board the Spartan and other air mobility aircraft, increasing the speed and ease of loading and unloading these aircraft. This project supports jobs at both RAAF Base Richmond and Amberley and will contribute toward developing Australian defence industry into the future».

Over the last 12 months, the Spartan has supported Whole-of-Government efforts in the 2017 Papua New Guinea parliamentary elections and during international exercises in New Zealand, Guam and New Caledonia.

Initial Operating Capability for the Spartan was declared in late 2016, and Final Operating Capability is scheduled to be declared in late 2019.

Air Force

Australian Spartan

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, welcomed the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J Spartan battlefield airlift aircraft in Australia at a ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond on June 30, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the base’s establishment.

The first C-27J Spartan for the RAAF touched down at RAAF Base Townsville on 24 June before travelling onwards to its new home of RAAF Base Richmond (Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)
The first C-27J Spartan for the RAAF touched down at RAAF Base Townsville on 24 June before travelling onwards to its new home of RAAF Base Richmond (Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)

The acquisition of the C-27J Spartan will fill a gap in Australia’s military capability for tactical fixed wing airlift, which has been left open since the retirement of the Caribou fleet in 2009.

Air Marshal Geoff Brown said the acquisition of 10 C-27J Spartan aircraft, which has been planned since 2012, signifies a $1.4 billion investment in Australia’s airlift capability.

«This acquisition represents a commitment to Australia’s air power capability which is a critical element of Australia’s national security and defence strategy», he said. «The C-27J Spartan will strengthen the Australian Defence Force’s airlift capability by increasing our ability to move troops, equipment and supplies. The aircraft will complement the capabilities of the C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster III and will be able to carry medium-sized loads and access smaller runways that are not suited to other aircraft. This will allow Royal Australian Air Force to support humanitarian missions as well as battlefield airlift in remote locations and unprepared airstrips common in Australia’s region. Under Plan Jericho, the plan to transform Royal Australian Air Force into a fifth generation fighting force for the information age, the C-27J Spartan will operate within an integrated system that is more agile, has an extended reach and gathers and distributes information quicker and more efficiently than ever before».

The C-27J Spartan aircraft provides protection from a range of threats through features such as missile warning systems, electronic self-protection, secure communications and battlefield armour.

Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the C-27J Spartan fleet is planned for late 2016, with Final Operational Capability (FOC) expected within the following two years.

The fleet of C-27J Spartan aircraft will initially be based at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales, until their permanent home at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland is completed.

In Australian region, the C-27J can access over 1900 airfields compared to around 500 for the C-130 Hercules aircraft. Within Australia, the C-27J can access over 400 airfields compared to around 200 for the C-130J Hercules aircraft
In Australian region, the C-27J can access over 1900 airfields compared to around 500 for the C-130 Hercules aircraft. Within Australia, the C-27J can access over 400 airfields compared to around 200 for the C-130J Hercules aircraft

 

C-27J Spartan

The C-27J Spartan is the best seller in the new-generation, medium battlefield airlifter category. The C-27J Spartan is a twin-engine, turboprop, tactical transport aircraft with state-of-the-art technology in avionics, propulsion and systems. It provides high performance, extreme operating flexibility and cost efficiency and it is the only aircraft in its class capable of interoperability with heavier airlifters.

The C-27J Spartan can perform a variety of missions including transport of troops, goods and medicines, logistical re-supply, MEDical EVACuation (MEDEVAC), airdrop operations, paratroopers’ launches, Search And Rescue (SAR), firefighting, humanitarian assistance, oil spill relief, and operations in support of homeland security.

The C-27J Spartan is equipped with modern avionics and efficient propulsion system (Rolls Royce AE2100-D2A, assuring a 4,650 shp/3,467.5 kW). The architecture of its avionics system is completely redundant, thus increasing the level of mission security and reliability and permitting operation in any environment condition and in any operational scenario.

The C-27J Spartan, thanks to a loading system, perfectly compatible with that of the C-130 Hercules, can carry pallets weighing up to 10,000 lbs/4,550 kg and 7.2 feet/2.2 m tall, or platforms with a length of 12 feet/3.6 m, weighing up 13,228 lbs/6,000 kg.

The flexibility of the C-27J allows it to undertake a wide range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of casualties
The flexibility of the C-27J allows it to undertake a wide range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of casualties

The C-27J is capable of taking off from and landing on unprepared strips less-than-500 m/1,640 feet long, with maximum take-off weight up to 70,000 lbs/31,800 kg; it may carry up to 60 equipped soldiers or up to 46 paratroopers and, in the air ambulance (MEDEVAC) version, 36 stretchers or 24 stretchers and two Patient Transport Support System (P.T.S.S), with stretchers and stowage provisions for intensive care medical equipment and six medical assistants.

The large cross section (8.53 feet/2.60 m high, 10.92 feet/3.33 m wide) and high floor strength (10,800 lbs/m/4,900 kg/m load capability) allow heavy and large military equipment to be loaded. The C-27J Spartan can, for example, carry fighter and transport aircraft engines, such as C-130 Hercules, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16 Fighting Falcon and Mirage 2000 directly on its normal engine dollies without additional special equipment.

The C-27J Spartan has been designed, developed and tested as a true military aircraft. It has obtained Military Qualification Certificate. At the same time the C-27J Spartan is airworthy to civil standards, as witnessed by its certification from the Civil Aviation Authority, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2001 for the basic configuration and subsequently EASA/FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in 2010 for the C-27J JCA configuration.

A №35 Squadron C-27J Spartan flies at low level shortly after departing RAAF Base Townsville for its new home of RAAF Base Richmond on 25 June (Source: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)
A №35 Squadron C-27J Spartan flies at low level shortly after departing RAAF Base Townsville for its new home of RAAF Base Richmond on 25 June (Source: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)

 

Specifications

Manufacturer Alenia/L3
Role Battlefield airlifter
Crew Pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster
Engine 2 Rolls-Royce AE 2100-D2 × 4,650 shp/3,467.5 kW
Length 74.5 feet/22.7 m
Height 31.5 feet/9.6 m
Wingspan 94.2 feet/28.7 m
Weight 67,241 lbs/30,500 kg
Range 5,294 NM/6,092.5 miles/9,805 km
Ceiling 30,000 feet/9,144 m
Maximum Speed 362 knots/416 mph/670 km/h
Capacity 40 troops
21 stretcher patients
17,857 lbs/8,100 kg of cargo
Weapons Electronic self-protection measures

 

The first Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) touched down at RAAF Base Townsville on 24 June 2015, before travelling onwards to its new home of RAAF Base Richmond on 25 June 2015. An acceptance ceremony was then held at RAAF Base Richmond on 30 June 2015 for the first of ten C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifters to enter service with the Royal Australian Air Force

Air Force

Peruvian Spartan

The official ceremony for the delivery of the first C-27J Spartan to Peru’s Air Force has taken place on March 27, in Lima, at Las Palmas base. The event has seen the participation of the Peruvian Defence Minister, Pedro Cateriano Bellido, the Commander in Chief of the Peruvian Air Force – General Dante Arévalo Abate, the Italian Defence Minister, Roberta Pinotti, the Italian Ambassador in Lima, Mauro Marsili, and the Alenia Aermacchi’s Vice General Manager, Massimo Ghione.

Alenia Aermacchi delivered the first of four C-27J Spartan airlifters to the Peruvian air force on March 27, during a ceremony attended by the two countries’ defense ministers. The remaining aircraft will be delivered by 2017 (Peru MoD photo)
Alenia Aermacchi delivered the first of four C-27J Spartan airlifters to the Peruvian air force on March 27, during a ceremony attended by the two countries’ defense ministers. The remaining aircraft will be delivered by 2017 (Peru MoD photo)

This aircraft is part of the contract signed between Alenia Aermacchi and the Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea del Perú, FAP) in December 2013. In December 2014 a second contract was signed for two additional C-27Js bringing to four aircraft the number of these planes ordered by the FAP. The airplanes’ deliveries will end in 2017 and will be managed by the Air Group 8 at the Callao base, on the central coast of the Country.

The C-27J has been selected thanks to is capability of operating safely and efficiently and at competitive costs in all operational scenarios of this Latin American Country, including activities on semi-prepared airstrips of the Andes and of the many local airports, at high altitudes and with hot weather. The FAP will employ the C-27J as a strategic asset in passenger and cargo transport, humanitarian, fire-fighting, search and rescue and internal security missions.

In addition to Peru, the C-27J Spartan has already been ordered by the Air Forces of Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, Morocco and Slovakia, as well as by the United States, Mexico, Australia and by an African Country, for a total of 80 airplanes.

Defence Minister Peter Cateriano received this afternoon the FAP's first aircraft C-27J Spartan,
Defence Minister Peter Cateriano received this afternoon the FAP’s first aircraft C-27J Spartan,

 

C-27J Spartan

The C-27J Spartan is the best seller in the new-generation, medium battlefield airlifter category. The C-27J Spartan is a twin-engine, turboprop, tactical transport aircraft with state-of-the-art technology in avionics, propulsion and systems. It provides high performance, extreme operating flexibility and cost efficiency and it is the only aircraft in its class capable of interoperability with heavier airlifters.

The C-27J Spartan can perform a variety of missions including transport of troops, goods and medicines, logistical re-supply, MEDical EVACuation (MEDEVAC), airdrop operations, paratroopers’ launches, Search And Rescue (SAR), firefighting, humanitarian assistance, oil spill relief, and operations in support of homeland security.

The C-27J Spartan is equipped with modern avionics and efficient propulsion system (Rolls Royce AE2100-D2A, assuring a 4,650 shp/3,467.5 kW). The architecture of its avionics system is completely redundant, thus increasing the level of mission security and reliability and permitting operation in any environment condition and in any operational scenario.

The C-27J Spartan, thanks to a loading system, perfectly compatible with that of the C-130 Hercules, can carry pallets weighing up to 10,000 lbs/4,550 kg and 7.2 feet/2.2 m tall, or platforms with a length of 12 feet/3.6 m, weighing up 13,228 lbs/6,000 kg.

The C-27J Spartan is capable of taking off from and landing on unprepared strips less-than-500 m/1,640 feet long, with maximum take-off weight up to 70,000 lbs/31,800 kg; it may carry up to 60 equipped soldiers or up to 46 paratroopers and, in the air ambulance (MEDEVAC) version, 36 stretchers or 24 stretchers and two Patient Transport Support System (P.T.S.S), with stretchers and stowage provisions for intensive care medical equipment and six medical assistants.

The large cross section (8.53 feet/2.60 m high, 10.92 feet/3.33 m wide) and high floor strength (10,800 lbs/m/4,900 kg/m load capability) allow heavy and large military equipment to be loaded. The C-27J Spartan can, for example, carry fighter and transport aircraft engines, such as C-130 Hercules, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16 Fighting Falcon and Mirage 2000 directly on its normal engine dollies without additional special equipment.

The C-27J Spartan has been designed, developed and tested as a true military aircraft. It has obtained Military Qualification Certificate. At the same time the C-27J Spartan is airworthy to civil standards, as witnessed by its certification from the Civil Aviation Authority, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2001 for the basic configuration and subsequently EASA/FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in 2010 for the C-27J JCA configuration.

The latest C-27J customer is Peru, which ordered four aircraft. Other customers are Australia, which in 2015 will receive the first of its 10 aircraft, the United States (21, including 14 used by the Coast Guard and 7 for the Army Special Operations Command), Italy (12), Greece (8), Romania (7), Morocco (4), Mexico (4), Bulgaria (3), Lithuania (3) and a sub-Saharan African country. Italy, Romania, USA and Peru also purchased C-27J aircrew training flight simulators from Alenia Aermacchi
The latest C-27J customer is Peru, which ordered four aircraft. Other customers are Australia, which in 2015 will receive the first of its 10 aircraft, the United States (21, including 14 used by the Coast Guard and 7 for the Army Special Operations Command), Italy (12), Greece (8), Romania (7), Morocco (4), Mexico (4), Bulgaria (3), Lithuania (3) and a sub-Saharan African country. Italy, Romania, USA and Peru also purchased C-27J aircrew training flight simulators from Alenia Aermacchi