Deliveries Expected To Begin Next Month
The first of 18 G.222 aircraft to be refurbished and modernized
by Alenia Aeronautica made its initial flight following
re-manufacture at Capodichino airport near Naples, Italy
Thursday.
Alenia North America, a subsidiary of Alenia Aeronautica, said
the aircraft will soon be flown to Alenia Aeronautica’s Test
Center at Caselle, near Turin. The G.222’s modernized
communication systems will be tested and validated at the adjacent
electronic test range facilities. The aircraft will then fly back
to Capodichino for final preparation and delivery.
“The first flight of the G.222 at Capodichino is a
critical part of the final stages of modernization and
refurbishment and is evidence of the success of this
program,” said Giuseppe Giordo, President and CEO of Alenia
North America and Co-COO of Alenia Aeronautica. “We are proud
of the history of the G.222 aircraft and its service all over the
world, and are very pleased to provide the re-built Afghan National
Army Air Corps with these aircraft. This is truly an exemplary
program in-line with Alenia’s commitment to the United States
Air Force.”
Giovanni Bertolone, Chief Executive Officer of Alenia
Aeronautica, said: “The first flight of the refurbished G.222
is a fundamental step, and one of the last before the delivery of
the aircraft to the United States Air Force. Alenia Aeronautica and
Alenia North America have proven again that they are capable of
supplying products that are able to meet the specific requirements
of the United States’ Government. The characteristics of
operative effectiveness and action capability of the G.222, further
developed in the C-27J, another of Alenia Aeronautica’s
products, will be magnified by the complex scenario in which the
aircraft will be operated. The 18 G.222s for the reconstructed
Afghan Air Force will help ensure the safety and stability of the
country.”
Nine aircraft are currently in various stages of re-manufacture
at Capodichino, where the final assembly for the original G.222
aircraft also took place. Delivery is scheduled to begin in
September 2009 with this first aircraft and continue through 2011.
Training for U.S. Air Advisors will begin following delivery and
the aircraft will then be transferred by the Combined Air Power
Transition Force in Kabul for incorporation into the Afghan
National Army Air Corps (ANAAC). The G.222 will be a workhorse and
serve as the backbone of the re-constituted ANAAC.
Developed as a true military airlifter, the G.222 is dependable,
robust, and capable of operating in austere environments, even from
short and unprepared airstrips. These aircraft will provide a
critical capability to the ANAAC, enabling the Afghan government to
rapidly provide humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation and
logistical support to the Afghan people throughout the country,
including remote areas not easily accessible by road and/or
isolated by terrain.
SpaceX to Launch Inversion RAY Reentry Vehicle in Fall
See All