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Alenia C-27J Spartan | Tactical transport aircraft

Alenia C-27J Spartan
Alenia C-27J Spartan

Militarymedia.net - The C-27J Spartan was developed from the previous G.222, which was jointly produced by three Italian companies - Aeritalia, Alenia Aeronautica and Fiat Aviazione. This military cargo plane is widely used by the Italian Air Force and is well recommended on its own. In 1995 Lockheed Martin and Alenia Aeronautica signed an agreement to develop an improved version of the G.222, as improvements needed to meet modern requirements. The main changes were made to the engine and electronic systems, sourced from the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. The C-27J made its maiden flight in 1999. The new aircraft has a 35% increased range and 15% faster cruising speed than its predecessor. The developer claims, that to date it is the only true modern tactical cargo plane in the world. It is used to transport troops, cargo and conduct airdrops and medical evacuations.

The dimensions and performance of the C-27J are about half that of the C-130 Hercules. The Spartan is capable of carrying single-track vehicles, such as the ST Kinetics Bronco, Hagglunds Bv 206 or Sisu NA-110.

The main advantage of the C-27J is the ability to perform extreme maneuvers, which is unusual for an aircraft of this class. In 2009 during the AirPower exhibition in Australia, the cargo aircraft performed maneuvers, such as barrel roll, loop, and low pass with minimum speed in an open ramp landing configuration, thus simulating airdrop operations. But the highlight of the show is the maneuver, where the aircraft holds the vertical wing position 90° for 8 seconds.

Since 2001 the C-27J Spartan has participated in US demo tours in support of the US Army's future cargo aircraft program. In 2005 Spartan participated in this program for the third time and during the demo tour carried out on cold weather trials, performed combat offload, paradrop from ramp and CDS airdrop, paradrop using side doors, LAPES capability with 2,500 kg, LAPES capability with 5,000 kg, capability short field takeoffs and landings, transporting various payloads and vehicles.

Alenia C-27J Spartan
Alenia C-27J Spartan

In 2007 the C-27J became the winner in the US Joint Cargo Aircraft program. The competitor is the EADS CASA C-295. The Spartan will replace the existing C-12 Huron, C-26 Metroliner and C-23 Sherpa in service with the US Army National Guard.

Currently the combat version of the C-27J Spartan is being actively discussed due to the high maneuverability of this aircraft. It should be noted, however, that this is the only aircraft in its class, which can reach 3g doing sharp turns, climbs and fast descents. Another important feature of this aircraft is that it only requires a runway of 300 m long for landing and 500 m for takeoff with maximum load.

Spartan cargo planes are in service with Italy, Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania, Morocco, Romania (7), Slovakia and the United States. Comparable aircraft are the Antonov An-26, An-32, EADS CASA C-295 and TRANSALL C-160.

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