Team Led By L-3 Communications Wins $2 Billion Bid
Aero-News learned this week the US Army and the US Air Force
have made their decision on what aircraft will fulfill its Joint
Cargo Aircraft role. And the winner is... the C-27J Spartan, put
forth by a team led by L-3 Communications, Alenia North America,
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and Global Military Aircraft
Systems (GMAS).
The C-27J is a mid-range, multifunctional and interoperable
aircraft that will replace the US Army's C-23 Sherpas, C-12 and
C-26 aircraft and augment the US Air Forces' existing fleet of
intratheater airlifters. The aircraft will play a key role in
providing responsive aerial sustainment and critical re-supply
support for the maneuver force to maintain operational
momentum.
"We are very proud that the US Army and US Air Force selected
the C-27J for the JCA Program," said Michael T. Strianese,
President and Chief Executive Officer of L-3 Communications. "For
this top priority program, L-3 will be serving as the prime. We
look forward to working together with Finmeccanica's Alenia
Aeronautica and Alenia NA to deliver combat-ready, military
aircraft that will support the joint forces in the field today and
set a path for growth well into the future."
The intial $2.04 billion contract calls for 78 aircraft, to be
divided between the two branches of the armed forces. The Army will
get 54 planes, with the Air Force flying the remaining 24. More
planes may be ordered in the future.
"We are very pleased with the selection and acknowledgement that
the C-27J is the best solution for the JCA," said Bob Drewes,
President and COO of L-3 Integrated Systems Group. "We always
believed this aircraft was the right solution and one that best
meets the needs of the warfighter. The C-27J is ready to perform
the JCA mission today."
"Today's announcement is the result of a real transatlantic
partnership between American and Italian aerospace companies," said
Giuseppe Giordo, president and chief executive officer, Alenia
North America. "This decision also indicates that the US Army and
US Air Force both recognize the unique capabilities of our C-27J
aircraft, our team and our JCA offering as a whole."
"This team brings together the best of global industry to
provide a proven, low-risk solution for our Army and Air Force
customers," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing
Integrated Defense Systems. "We're very pleased to join with our
partners to deliver this latest version of an outstanding airlifter
that's ready to meet the mobility needs of our military
customers."
The C-27J was selected over a team comprised of Raytheon and
EADS-CASA, which had offered a variant of the CN-295 twin
turboprop.