Leonardo underlines C-27J Next Generation’s unrivalled performance and mission flexibility.

Widely recognized as the most effective multi-role military transport aircraft in its size class, the C-27J Next Generation features new avionics and aerodynamic developments for greater efficiency and improved operating performance.

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Leonardo's C-27J Next Generation tactical airlifter offers an unrivaled versatility (Picture source: Leonardo)

Used in the most challenging operational environments, from the high altitudes of the Andes to Afghanistan, the c-27J’s performance and operating efficiency are enabled by new avionics, featuring a glass cockpit with five multi-functional color screens, a radar system for tactical transport missions and advanced communication systems. The system architecture guarantees interoperability with other transport aircraft and can be easily integrated with in-flight refuelling, self-protection, secure communications and ballistic protection, allowing the aircraft to operate in high threat environments, transporting materials, light vehicles and personnel to wherever they are needed. The C-27J can operate in complete autonomy thanks to its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).

Unmatched capacity

The C-27J Spartan boasts the largest cargo compartment in its category, capable of supporting about five tonnes per square metre and adjustable in height and inclination for easy loading and unloading. With the best descent and climb rates (4,000ft/min and 2,500 ft/min), it can perform tactical maneuvers at 3g and is qualified for short take-off and landing (STOL) on snowy, sandy and unprepared runways.

For a vast range of missions

A multitude of kits and easy-to-install and transportable roll-on/roll-off mission systems allow the C-27J Spartan to be rapidly transformed into the configuration required for the relevant mission. As a ‘tactical airlifter’, the aircraft’s versatility extends from airlifts of troops and cargo to airdrops of paratroopers and materials, from medical battlefield evacuation to VIP transportation, from humanitarian assistance and natural disaster response to – last but not least - firefighting: both the Romanian and Peruvian Air Forces are using the C-27J in firefighting missions with Caylym “Guardian” containers while a more capable Fire-Fighting tank solution is in development: it involves the integration of the MAFFS 2 system for the pressure release of water/retarder. Highly effective, this solution does not require any structural modification to the aircraft which thus maintains all its operational characteristics and - a great advantage compared to dedicated solutions - guarantees unique operational flexibility.

The C-27J can be configured in the Maritime Patrol (MPA), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Command-Control-Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C3ISR) versions. The mission capabilities of the C-27J Next Generation MPA can be tailored to specific customer needs. Typical tasks include Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), thanks to the aircraft dedicated suite and large capacity to carry weapons and sonobuoys, along with Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Patrol, Command, Control, Communication, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C3ISR). Six wing pylons can employ lightweight torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and naval mines. In the CAS (Close Air Support) role, the Spartan can be armed with a gun mounted at the rear of the left side. Live-fire tests have been carried on at various altitudes, demonstrating a remarkable precision. A caliber larger than 40mm would not be adequate for an aircraft of this size, Christian Amendolagine, Leonardo SVP Military Airlifter and Special Mission Aircraft LOB, explained during the World Defense Show 2022 that took place near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 6 to 9 March.

Leonardo C-27J Next Generation tactical airlifter inn CAS (Close Air Support) configuration with a 30mm gun (Picture source: Leonardo)

Sensors, systems and equipment

The C-27J MPA capabilities are centered around the ATOS mission system by Leonardo Electronics Division, including up to 5 operator stations that manage the sensors, analyze the gathered information and perform a true data fusion to provide mission operators, pilots, control centers and operating assets with a detailed, real-time overall tactical picture. An AESA Search Radar, Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) system, Electronic Support Measure (ESM) for ISR and SIGINT/ELINT tasks, Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD), as well as an Acoustic Subsystem, Sonobuoy and Ordnance Launchers and the flexible Stores Management System are among the typical sensors and equipment which can be installed on the C-27J Next Generation ASW.

The Communication System including data links and SATCOM capabilities allows maximum interoperability with cooperating land-based, sea-based and airborne units, along with quick data dissemination.

The C-27J Spartan is operated today by the Air Forces of Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, United States, both with US Coast Guard and SOCOM, Mexico, Australia, Peru, Kenya, Morocco, Chad, Zambia and a still undisclosed customer. Rugged, reliable, proven and versatile, Leonardo’s C-27J Spartan has been conceived for the most demanding military scenarios: its performance and operational flexibility position it as the most effective multi-mission medium turboprop airlifter available on the market, able to operate from the most rudimentary airstrips and in extreme environmental conditions.

A recent agreement between Slovenia and Italy added a new significant customer to the client list, another country choosing the Spartan non only for its military operations but also for its flexibility to civil protection and disaster recovery tasks.

Leonardo was displaying an Italian Air Force C-27J Spartan at the World Defense Show 2022 that took place near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 6 to 9 March. (Picture source: Army Recognition)