Ideal for Unprepared Runways and Hot/High Operations
At African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2018 in Pretoria this week, Leonardo is emphasising the unprepared runway and hot and high operational capabilities of the C-27J SPARTAN as it offers the aircraft as an ideal solution for Africa.
The aircraft is being demonstrated as being particularly suited to support international operations, civil defence, tactical transport and VIP missions. It is the ideal platform for operations in Africa, the company states, as it can conduct missions from non-prepared runways, at high altitudes and high temperatures, capabilities as yet unmatched by other aircraft in the same class.
The air forces of Chad, Kenya, Morocco and Zambia have already chosen the C-27J for its safe and efficient operating capabilities, competitive costs and ability to operate in the continent’s most taxing operational environments. In total, 14 air forces operate 85 aircraft.
“Air forces need an aircraft with the features of the C-27J SPARTAN. We believe that our product is the best solution for African countries. The C-27J SPARTAN is the most effective multi-mission airlifter available on the market today. Its capability to operate from the most rudimentary airstrips, in extreme environmental conditions cannot be matched by any other twin-engine airlifter. Ordered and deployed with full satisfaction by the most important air forces, the SPARTAN has already fully demonstrated its ability to effectively accomplish any tactical transport mission, ranging from disaster relief to ‘last tactical mile’ troops support,” commented the company’s Senior VP Marketing and Sales, Umberto Rossi.
An upgrade programme has been established, targeting avionics, communication and winglets. The baseline configuration is characterised by a brand new avionics system, compliant with new civil aviation regulations and military requirements as well as offering obsolescence risk reduction. The new configuration will be tested and qualified in 2018 and will be available in 2019. New operators will realise more modern avionics, improved operational costs and aircraft performance within the aircraft fly away price.
