C-27J
The C-27J has a maximum payload of over 25,000 lbs. that can be configured for any mission: troops, medevac, airdrop or cargo.
The C-27J has been purchased by NATO and coalition countries Italy, Greece and Bulgaria and is competing around the world. It is the only aircraft in its class that is capable of carrying standard NATO 463L pallets (3.5), up to two uparmoured HMMWVs and heavy, dense loads such as aircraft engines and ammunition. The C-27J can carry over 5,000 lbs more cargo than its competition, has a max cruise speed 75 ktas great, and significantly better landing and take-off characteristics in any environment than its competition, making it the most capable, low risk, aircraft available to support the warfighter.
Unlike other twin engine cargo aircraft in this class, the C-27J boasts interoperability with both CH/MH-47s and larger, intratheatre lift aircraft such as the C-130s. This interoperability means the C-27J can play an effective and flexible role in supporting the soldiers the last tactical mile. Whether that is flying pre-configured pallets for the Chinooks from one fire base to another, or taking larger, critical loads directly off C-130s directly to the warfighter, the C-27J has the capability to get the job done.
Launched in 1997, the C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft incorporates the same propulsion system and advanced avionics as the C-130J Hercules Transporter.
The first flight of the development aircraft was in September 1999 and the aircraft received full Italian Military Type certification in December 2001. The Italian Air Force ordered 12 aircraft to replace the G.222 to conclude in 2008.
In June 2007, the C-27J was chosen as the US Army / Air Force new Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA). The C-27J JCA’s maiden flight was in June 2008.
C-27J SPARTAN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
The aircraft design is based on the proven G-222 airframe from Alenia, with turboprop engines from Allison and advanced systems from Lockheed Martin.
II. Background
Final assembly of the C-27J Spartan takes place in Italy. Lockheed Martin is responsible for the propulsion and avionics and will take lead responsibility for product support and worldwide marketing. Alenia Aeronautica takes responsibility for the certification process and for most of the manufacturing and flight testing operations.
The C-27J Spartan has the same logistical and maintenance characteristics of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules medium tactical airlifter, and also shares commonality of the cargo capacity. The primary roles of the C-27J are cargo transport, troop transport, and material and paratroop air drop. Other missions include maritime patrol, tactical operations, medical evacuation, ground refuelling, fire-fighting and aerial spraying.
Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS) is a joint venture that has been set up between Alenia and L-3 Communications for the US Army Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) and the USAF combat rescue tanker requirement.
COCKPIT
The two-pilot cockpit is Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible. The flight deck is very similar to that of the C-130J Hercules. The Electronic Flight Instrumentation System (EFIS) incorporates five liquid crystal head-down colour displays.
CARGO SYSTEMS
The Spartan is constructed with a floor strength equal to that of a Hercules transporter, and the large cargo cabin cross-section is able to accommodate Hercules pallets.
Without modification, HMMWV (High Mobility Medium Wheeled Vehicle), AML-90, Perentie 6×6 armoured vehicle, M113 armoured personnel carrier or similar military vehicles can be driven on and off the Spartan via a hydraulically operated rear-loading ramp. The aircraft is constructed to offload vehicles quickly while taking fire.
An upward-opening door is installed in the underside rear fuselage, which is used for air drops of pallets or CDS (Container Delivery Systems) units. The air-drop speed is typically in the range 110kt to 140kt.
The aircraft is pressurised and air conditioned in the cockpit and cargo compartment. In the medical evacuation role, the aircraft can carry 24 casualties on litters (stretchers) and four medical attendants. The cargo compartment is equipped with a dedicated aero-medical oxygen supply and twelve power centres for medical or auxiliary equipment.
For the paratroop role, the aircraft is equipped with door-jump platforms and static lines, and can carry up to 24 fully equipped paratroops. Paratroop jumps can be carried out from the paratroop doors on both sides of the cargo compartment or from the cargo ramp and rear door.
AVIONICS
The C-27J is equipped with a digital avionics suite integrated by Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems. The mission computers are supplied by Sanders, a Lockheed Martin company, and the displays by ADC. Honeywell provides the autopilot and the standby instruments are supplied by BF Goodrich.
ENGINES
The C-27J is equipped with two AE 2100D3 turboshaft engines, supplied by Rolls-Royce Defence North America (formerly Allison). The engines are rated at 5,000shp. Messier-Dowty supply the six-bladed composite propellers.
The aircraft’s propulsion system allows the C-27J Spartan to access a wide range of airfields, including short, unprepared strips in hot and high-altitude conditions while transporting heavy loads. The Spartan can perform 3g tactical airlift operations under severe conditions. The navigation and night piloting systems allow the aircraft to fly just above tree height even at night.
The propulsion system provides an increase in aircraft range by 35% and cruise ceiling by 30%, in comparison to the current G-222 tactical transporter configuration from Alenia.
Crew: Three – pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster
Capacity:
o 60 troops or
o 46 paratroops or
o 36 litters with 6 medical personnel
Payload: 11,500 kg (25,353 lb) Length: 22.7 m (74 ft 6 in) Wingspan: 28.7 m (94 ft 2 in) Height: 9.6 m (31 ft 8 in)
Wing area: 82 m2 (882.7 ft2)
Empty weight: 17,000 kg (37,479 lb)
III. General Characteristics
Max takeoff weight: 31,800 kg (70,100 lb) Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce Allison AE2100-
D2 turboprop, 3,460 kW (4,637 shp) each
Maximum speed: 602 km/h (325 kts, 374 mph)
Cruise speed: 315 kts (362 mph, 583 km/h)
Range: 4,260 km, 1,852 km at full load (2,300 nmi, 1,000 nmi at full load)
Ferry range: 5,926 km (3,200 nmi) Service ceiling: 9,144 m (30,000 feet)
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