Competitor For Joint Cargo Aircraft Contract

Aero-News has learned the armed forces of Romania selected Alenia Aeronautica's C-27J Spartan to replace its aging fleet of intratheater transport aircraft. Alenia says the selection of the C-27J Spartan confirms it is fast establishing itself as the next-generation tactical transport aircraft of choice for new NATO member countries.

"The selection of the C-27J Spartan by Romania confirms that it is the most capable and flexible aircraft in its class," said Giuseppe Giordo, president and chief executive officer, Alenia North America, Inc. "The aircraft is an excellent fit for countries that require a truly rugged and military solution for their intratheater lift fleet. Its unparalleled performance and reliability make it the best value solution."

Unlike derivatives of commercial aircraft, the C-27J Spartan is a true multifunctional, military aircraft and is the most rugged, versatile, and survivable aircraft in its class. The C-27J Spartan was specifically designed to operate in remote and austere environments and provide the tactical utility necessary to support a wide variety of missions.

The C-27J Spartan has been selected by Italy (12 aircraft), Greece (12), Bulgaria (8), Lithuania (3). The C-27J is also under evaluation in Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Ireland, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and the United States.

As Aero-News has reported, the Spartan is one of three aircraft now vying for the US military's Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) contract. Lockheed had submitted a version of its C-130J for the JCA bid, but that proposal was rejected.

Under the terms of the JCA program, over 100 planes will be ordered by the US Air Force and the US Army. The new fixed-wing aircraft will be used for intra-theater airlift, eventually replacing the Army's fleet of C-23 Sherpa and C-12 Huron aircraft. For the Air Force, the new aircraft would assist in battlefield transport missions and serve as a smaller-sized complement to its fleet of C-130 Hercules transporters.

The C-27J JCA Team includes Alenia North America, Inc, L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3 IS), a subsidiary of L-3 Communications, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS).

FMI: www.c27j.com