The Spartan

In 1995, Leonardo (formerly Alenia) and Locheed Martin  began discussions to improve Alenia's G-222 using C130J's glass cockpit  and a more powerful version of the G.222's T64 engines.

In 1996, a program began on an improved G.222, named C-27J; it used a U.S. military type designation based on the G.222's C-27A designation. In 1997, Alenia and Lockheed Martin formed Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS) to develop the C-27J.

The design changed to use the C-130J Super Hercules's Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engine with six-blade propeller.

Other changes include a fully digital MIL-STD-1553 systems and avionics architecture, and an updated cargo compartment for increased commonality. The C-27J has a 35% increase in range and a 15% faster cruise speed than the G.222

The C-27J first flight occurred on 24 September 1999. Two months later, the Italian Air Force was reported as the launch customer of the C-27J, ordering 12 Spartans. After over 400 hours of flight test, spanning less than 13 months, the aircraft was granted civil certification by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority at the Air Show in Paris, in June 2001.Military certification was granted later on, 20 December 2001.

Tech Specifications:

  • Crew: Minimum two: pilot, co-pilot (plus loadmaster when needed)
  • Capacity: 
    • Troop transport: 60 troops or 46 paratroopersMedevac/Casevac: 36 standard stretchers with 6 medical attendants/VIP and personnel: 6 VIP and 18 escort passengers plus a service moduleCargo 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)
    • Length: 22.7 m (74 ft 6 in)
    • Wingspan: 28.7 m (94 ft 2 in)
    • Height: 9.64 m (31 ft 8 in)
    • Wing area: 82 m2 (880 sq ft)
    • Empty weight: 17,500 kg (38,581 lb)
    • Max takeoff weight: 32,500 kg (71,650 lb)
    • Max payload: 11,300 kilograms (24,912 lb) at MTOW
    • Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce AE2100-D2A turboprop, 3,458 kW (4,637 hp) each
    • Propellers: 6-bladed Dowty Propeller R 391/6-132-F/10, 4.115 m (13 ft 6 in) diameter

    Performances:

    • Maximum speed: 602 km/h (374 mph, 325 kn)
    • Cruise speed: 583 km/h (362 mph, 315 kn)
    • Minimum control speed: 194 km/h (121 mph, 105 kn)
    • Range: 1,759 km (1,093 mi, 950 nmi) with MTOW of 31,800 kg (70,100 lb)
    • Range at 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) payload: 5,056 km (2,730 nmi)
    • Ferry range: 5,852 km (3,636 mi, 3,160 nmi)
    • Service ceiling: 9,144 m (30,000 ft)
    • g limits: 3
    • Rate of climb: 13 m/s (2,500 ft/min)

     

    Users of this airplane are: Australia, Bulgaria, Chad, Greece, Italy, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, U.S.A., Zambia and several others are still coming.