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.