Indian Defence Review

The C-27J Spartan is the best seller in the new-generation medium battlefield airlifter’s category. The C-27J is a twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft with state-of-the-art technology in avionics, propulsion and systems. It provides high performances, high cost effectiveness, extreme operating flexibility and it is the only aircraft of its class offering interoperability with heavier airlifters. The C-27J is capable of performing many missions such as transport of troops, goods and medicines, logistical re-supply, MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation), airdrop operations, paratroopers’ launches, search and rescue (SAR), fire fighting, humanitarian assistance, release of liquids dispersing hydrocarbons in the sea in the event of accidents on oil platforms, and missions in support of homeland security. The C-27J has already been ordered by the air forces of Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, Morocco, USA, Mexico and recently by Australia and by an undisclosed African customer, for a total of 91 airplanes. The C-27J Spartan has been also selected by the Slovakian Air Force and the contract is under negotiation. It is currently being promoted in several countries like Canada, Slovenia, Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa and others. The Greek government was the launch customer and all 8 C-27J for Greece have been delivered. The contract with Italian Air Force calls for the delivery of 12 C-27J aircraft in a particularly sophisticated version: on top of the basic configuration, the airplanes are equipped with a flight-refuelling probe, a self-protection system and two head-up displays for the pilots. The Italian C-27Js have been delivered to ItAF starting January 2007 and are all delivered. The aircraft have already had combat debut in Afghanistan. All 3 C-27Js for Bulgaria have been delivered with the original contract, signed in February 2006. At the end of 2011 Alenia Aermacchi has signed a contract for the logistic support of Bulgarian Air Force’s C-27Js.