The best tactical airlifter in the world: C27J Spartan
Source: Finmeccanica Magazine Aeronautics no.1
It has been a little over ten years since the C-27J prototype first took off from Caselle near Turin.
Today, the Spartan is the best tactical airlifter in the world, largely because of a foresight that lead to the development of the excellent, but obsolete, G222 thanks to a new, state-of-the-art avionic equipment and power plant. Among the characteristics of the C-27J are its exceptionally robust structure, which allows for considerable cargo capacity, operability in extreme weather conditions and extraordinary exterior visibility. There are state-of- the-art avionics combined with excellent radar, and a self-defence system with anti-ballistic protection for critical areas of the aircraft. Five differently coloured indicators in a modern glass cockpit allow control of all on-board equipment as well as flying and navigational parameters. The C-27J self-defence system includes a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Warning System (I/R), Laser Warning System, Direct Infrared Counter Measure (DIRCM) and Chaff & Flare.
The cockpit area, the cargo zone and the entire aircraft are compatible with third generation night surveillance. A modern Head-Up Display (HUD) completes the on¬board avionics and reduces the workload of the pilots during operational missions. Subsequently installed equipment and systems contribute to reduced risk in hostile zones: such as the case of the On Board Inert Gas Generating System which reduces the risk of gas tanks exploding when hit by missiles; Observer Windows, one on each side of the aisle, useful during missions; Search and Rescue (SAR) for spotting ships in distress and for better awareness of threats coming from the rear of the aircraft. Spacious and versatile, the cargo bay makes it possible to transport and/or drop equipment, material and troops with great precision. Because of the characteristics of the engines and the speed with which they can accelerate and decelerate, exposure to threats during cargo drops is minimized, which makes it possible to enter and depart from the theatre of operations quickly. The cargo bay can be reconfigured rapidly in order to adapt it to the needs of different missions, including the need to load standard pallets used by many NATO aircraft. This significantly reduces loading, unloading and handling time at different airports.
An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) produces electric/hydraulic and pneumatic energy in flight and allows the aircraft to be totally autonomous during ground action in the mission's ground operations. Heavy-duty landing gear, specially designed to handle any surface, even rough terrain, combined with an extremely efficient, anti-skid braking system allows operations almost anywhere, even in extremely close quarters, and makes the aircraft extremely flexible and operational. Manoeuvrability, ability to carry a very heavy load and simplicity of flying the aircraft make it unique, also thanks to the higher survival rates, even in the most difficult theatres.
Pilots like to say that the Spartan is the only tactical aircraft in the world that can be flown like a fighter.