Summary

  • C-27J Spartan serves as a tactical air mobility aircraft for humanitarian missions
  • Offers versatility with troop transport, medevac, cargo transport, VIP, and personnel capabilities
  • Can undergo rapid reconfiguration thanks to open system design for various missions

The C-27J Spartan is a twin-turboprop military transport aircraft designed and developed by Italian manufacturer Leonardo’s Aircraft Division in the late 1990s. Performing its first flight in September 1999, the aircraft was introduced to service in October 2006.

The United States military selected the C-27J as a Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) in 2007, with production contracted to New York-based L3 Communications. More than 115 units of the C-27J Spartans have been produced. This article explores five fast facts about the C-27J’s design and capabilities.

1

A tactical air mobility aircraft

Used in various humanitarian and rescue missions

  • Airdrop cargo and paratroops in-flight
  • Airlift a variety of cargo loads
  • Conduct aeromedical evacuation of sick or wounded personnel

The C-27J Spartan is an ideal bridge between military helicopters and large transport aircraft, opening opportunities for many medium-sized missions. Global air forces widely use the Spartan for airdrop missions for troops and time-sensitive cargo.

Alenia_C-27J_Spartan

Photo: Leonardo

  • Troop transport: 60 troops or 46 paratroopers
  • Medevac/Casevac: 36 standard stretchers with six medical attendants
  • VIP and personnel: 6 VIP and 18 escort passengers plus a service module
  • Cargo transport: Bulk loads, wheeled and tracked vehicles, aircraft engines, light helicopters, or 463L standard pallets (3 HCU-6/E + 1 HCU-12/E, or 6 HCU-12/E)

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With its ability to operate from unpaved and unconventional airstrips, the C-27Js also serve aeromedical evacuation missions. Whether it is damage assessment and evacuation during a military conflict or as a result of a natural disaster, the Spartans are ready to come to the rescue.

2

A United States Coast Guard workhorse

It is used by the HC-27J Asset Project Office (APO)

The APO assists with:

  • Missionization
  • Conducting acquisition duties
  • Develop of Coast Guard-specific crew duties
  • Mission procedures
  • Technical manuals
  • Curricula
  • Test and evaluation reporting

Since 2017, a fleet of 14 C-27Js has been the workhorse for the US Coast Guard, primarily conducting surveillance, interdiction, and search and rescue missions. More than half of the acquired C-27Js are used by the Asset Project Office (APO).

Alenia C-27J Spartan interior

According to the US Coast Guard,

“The Coast Guard is integrating 14 C-27Js into its medium range surveillance aircraft fleet, along with its HC-144 Ocean Sentries, to perform drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response, and search and rescue missions. Following missionization, the aircraft’s range, endurance, speed and payload will make it a valuable asset in addressing the Coast Guard’s maritime flight-hour gap.”

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3

An open system design

Future upgrades are possible

  • Standardized Minotaur mission system across all Coast Guard fixed-wing aircraft (under development)
  • Military communications
  • Multimode radar
  • Large search windows
  • Night vision goggle capabilities

The C-27Js are equipped with various mission systems that enable diverse mission capabilities. However, there is a significant potential to add other mission-specific equipment thanks to its open system design. The US Coast Guard is looking to improve the aircraft’s surveillance capabilities with new radar, communication, and intelligence equipment.

Alenia C-27J on the ground taking off

Photo: Leonardo

According to the US Coast Guard,

“As delivered, the C-27Js are outfitted with weather radar and communications equipment capable of supporting transport and other Coast Guard missions. The Coast Guard is working with Naval Air Systems Command to determine which additional specialized equipment should be installed to enhance and expand the aircraft’s capabilities.”

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4

Ready for firefighting operations

Equipped with the latest-generation firefighting system

  • Cargo airdrop: Up to 9,000 kg (20,000 lb) with two platforms; up to 6 A22 CDS bundles; up to 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) with 1 or 2 platforms by LAPES; up to 6,000 kg (13,000 lb) by combat off-load – 3 HCU-6/E pallets
  • Firefighting: Up to 6 “Guardian” system containers; 6,000 L (1,300 imp gal; 1,600 US gal) of water/fire retardant; roll-off/roll-on fire attack system with 7,950 L (1,750 imp gal; 2,100 US gal) capacity
  • Cargo compartment: 3.33 by 2.60 m (10 ft 11 in by 8 ft 6 in) width and height

Last year, the Slovenian Ministry of Defense received its first of two C-27J aircraft dedicated to supporting the national community for rescue, disaster relief, and firefighting operations. The aircraft is equipped with the latest-generation Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II).

C-27J Spartan in fire fighter configuration

Photo: Leonardo

The system uses state-of-the-art palletized containers manufactured by United Aeronautical Corporation, a world leader in designing and developing efficient fire-fighting systems. The Spartan is versatile and cost-effective compared to other similar platforms.

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Moreover, the interoperability of the aircraft with high-category transport aircraft allows better alignment with larger (often existing) fleet.

5

Rapid reconfiguration

The aircraft interior can be reconfigured within hours

  • Mission kits
  • Roll in/roll-off mission systems
  • Minimal tools
  • Achieved within hours

Having the possibility for a range of missions, the aircraft readiness between two different types of missions can be challenging. However, the manufacturer provides easy and rapid reconfiguration that can be achieved within hours with minimal tools.

A LTAF Alenia C-27J Spartan and several fighter jets on a military airport apron.

Photo: LTAF

According to Leonardo,

“Thanks to the versatility of the platform, the C-27J can in fact be rapidly reconfigured, by means of kits and roll-on/roll-off mission systems in the configuration necessary to carry out defence and civil protection missions, in line with emerging market demands.”

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