The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a tactical military transport aircraft. It was designed and manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi, now part of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The aircraft can carry up to 20 tons of cargo or 92 fully equipped troops. This plane was used extensively in Afghanistan and Iraq by the U.S., NATO allies, and coalition partners as well as in other countries such as Australia, Canada, France and Italy for humanitarian missions after natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

Manufacturer:
Alenia Aermacchi
Country:
Italy
Manufactured:
2008 to: Present
ICAO:
C27J
Price:
US$33.35 million
Avionics:
Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, Honeywell Autopilot
Engine:
2x 2 X Rolls-Royce Allison AE2100-D2A
Turboprop
Power:
4,637 horsepower
Max Cruise Speed:
315 knots
583 Km/h
Approach Speed (Vref):
Travel range:
1,000 Nautical Miles
1,852 Kilometers
Fuel Economy:
2.09 nautical mile / gallon
1.023 kilometres / litre
Service Ceiling:
30,000 feet
Rate of Climb:
2500 feet / minute
12.70metre / second
Take Off Distance:
640 metre - 2,099.71 feet
Landing Distance:
690 metre - 2,263.75 feet
Max Take Off Weight:
31,800 Kg
70,106 lbs
Max Landing Weight:
Max Payload:
11,600 Kg
25,573 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Baggage Volume:
Seats - Economy / General:
60 seats
Seats - Business Class:
46 seats
Seats - First Class:
36 seats
Cabin Height:
2.25 metre - 7.38 feet
Cabin Width:
3.33 metre - 10.93 feet
Cabin Length:
Exterior Length:
22.7 metre - 74.47 feet
Tail height:
9.7 metre - 31.82 feet
Fuselage Diameter:
3.7 metre - 12.14 feet
Wing Span / Rotor Diameter:
28.7 metre - 94.16 feet
Wing Tips:
No Winglets

The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a military transport aircraft that was manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi and Lockheed Martin. It has been widely used around the world to perform various tasks, such as transporting cargo, carrying troops into combat zones, and fighting fires. The C-27J can also land on short runways or rough terrain without requiring any type of ground support equipment.  In total, there are more than 100 Spartans in service with 16 different countries around the world.

The C-27J offers performance similar to much larger cargo aircraft such as the Lockheed C-130 Hercules or Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, but at only one third of the cost per flight hour.  The two primary roles for this versatile troop and cargo carrier are tactical airland operations and theater resupply missions. Its ability to operate from austere airsfields and short, rough terrain makes it a good choice for use in austere regions. The C-27J also provides excellent tactical airlift capability, including rapid response to natural disasters, as demonstrated by its relief missions in Bosnia (1998) and Vanuatu (1999).

The Italian Air Force has purchased 27 aircraft with the option of additional aircraft. The Italian Air Force also operates the C-27A, which is a similar version of the C-27J that has been upgraded to NATO standards. In addition to its wide use by Italy, there are currently Spartans in service with the United States Coast Guard (4), Greece (7), India (17), Iraq (4), Kazakhstan (5), Mexico (1), Morocco (2), Pakistan (5), Poland (6) and Thailand.

The C-27J also has an extensive logistics and support network in Italy ramped up especially for the Iraqi Air Force program, with a depot established at Pratica di Mare Air Base, as well as an active Iraq Cell, to support Iraqi C-27J sustainment. With this experience, the Italian Air Force is now supporting all international operators of C-27J aircraft with their logistics requirements.

After a decade of inactivity, Spartan production was revived by Alenia Aermacchi in 2012 (shortly after its divestment from Finmeccanica) in a joint venture with RDA Corp. of Anniston, Alabama, United States (formerly part of the now defunct DASA North America).

Want More of This?
We'll send you our latest and best content straight to your inbox
Featured Image

All Alenia Aermacchi Aircraft

More Like This
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Military Transport Planes
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Airbus A330 MRTT
Military Transport Planes
Airbus A330 MRTT
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Military Transport Planes
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Fairchild C-82 Packet
Military Transport Planes
Fairchild C-82 Packet
Messerschmitt Me 323
Military Transport Planes
Messerschmitt Me 323
Blackburn Beverley
Military Transport Planes
Blackburn Beverley