JCA Contender Enters Overseas Service

Following the successful completion of a test program, the Italian Defence Ministry has accepted the first Alenia Aeronautica C-27J tactical transport aircraft. The aircraft is part of a 12-unit contract that should be completed by 2008 to the Italian Air Force 46th Wing, Pisa Air Force Base.

The contract also includes a related five-year logistic support. A second aircraft will be presented to ItAF for test by the end of the year. The Italian Air Forces' aircraft have the new C-27J standard configuration, with a flight-refueling device, self-protection system and double head-up display.

The C-27J Spartan medium military airlifter is a twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft with state-of-the-art technology avionics, propulsion and aircraft systems; it provides high performances, high cost effectiveness, extreme operating flexibility, best performances for aircraft of its category in all operational conditions and unique interoperability with heavier airlifters.

Alenia Aeronautica says the C-27J can perform many missions -- including cargo and troop transport, logistical re-supply, MEDEVAC, airdrop operations, SAR (Search and Rescue) missions, humanitarian assistance and missions in support of civil protection, operating from paved and unpaved runways.

A range of potential American, European and Asian customers have shown a keen interest in the C-27J. Most notably, the aircraft is one of three contenders opting for the US Army and US Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft program. The JCA program is a key component in the services upgrading of fixed wing fleets to meet the evolving requirements of current and future conflicts.

To support the future force, the JCA must be a multirole and interoperable aircraft, able to perform logistical re-supply, MEDEVAC, troop transport, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance and missions in support of homeland security. The JCA program is expected to replace the US Army's C-23 Sherpas, C-12 and C-26 aircraft, and augment the US Air Force's current fleet of C-130s, C-17s, and C-5s.

The C-27J has also been ordered by the Greek, Bulgarian and Lithuanian Air Forces. The Greek contract includes 12 C-27J new-generation tactical transport aircraft, plus three options, to the Hellenic Air Force (HAF). The first HAF aircraft is in service since September 2005. The Bulgarian contract, signed last February, is for 8 aircraft to Air Force (BuAF). The first BuAF C-27J will be delivered in November 2007. In June 2006 3 C-27Js were ordered by the Lithuanian Armed Forces to replace the current fleet of An-26 aircraft. The C-27J will allow the Lithuanian Armed Forces, engaged in a modernization campaign, to fully meet the interoperability standards of the Atlantic Alliance Countries.

The C-27J has already been formally evaluated by the Air Forces of Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, Romania, Australia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Emirates and Taiwan.

FMI: www.c27J.com