Issue 2, August 2004 -
FrontLine magazineAugust 1, 2004
In August 1990, the USAF selected the Alenia G222 as its Rapid-Response Intra- Theater Airlifter (RRITA) and ten were stationed at Howard AFB, Panama, to support U.S. Southern Command operations in Latin America.
A moderate success for its Italian manufacturer Alenia, S.P.A when it appeared in the 1960s, the G222 is now flown by Italy, Argentina, Dubai, Nigeria, Thailand and Venezuela in a variety of roles that include airlift, paratrooping, radio/radar calibration, fire-fighting and electronic warfare.
The aircraft's subsequent career might have stagnated had not Lockheed Martin stepped in 1995. During discussions on possible offsets for an Italian order of its C-130J, Lockheed Martin and Alenia conceived an updated variant of the G222. Company executives concluded that there was a need for an updated version of the G222 and the following year a feasibility phase was launched with the Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS) company formed in November, 1996. The first C-27J Spartan (NC4043, I-CERX) was rolled out on June 14, 1999 at Caselle Turin, and the first flight followed on 24. September 1999.
Observers note that the G222 had been reborn with a glass cockpit, AE 2100 turboprops and Dowty six-bladed propellers and renamed the C-27A "Spartan." The C-27A Spartan would be built by Alenia Aerospazio but marketed worldwide by Lockheed Martin which was also responsible for the propulsion and avionics.
To the military, it was perfectly suited for short-to-medium range tactical operations into semi-prepared airfields as short as 1,800 feet (549m) with its cargo capacity of more than 2,000 cubic feet, or 12,000 pounds (5,443kg). But its key selling point was its compatibility to Lockheed's more famous product: it incorporated the same propulsion system and advanced avionics as the C-130J Hercules II. The media called it the "Baby Herc" and LMATTS could have hoped for no better publicity.
Naturally, the aircraft's first customer was the Italian Air Force which ordered 12 aircraft with deliveries between 2001-04.
The C-27J comes at an opportune time. Like the Canadian Forces, there are several air forces worldwide looking to replace their aged De Havilland Buffalos and Caribous. One of Lockheed's biggest problems is that over the years they built those amazing C-130s and that the older aircraft are still doing well. The company finds itself competing with its own products. But with time the replacement market can only grow and those same air forces will be looking to replace their old C-130s within the decade. Lockheed Martin hopes that in buying the Spartan, it might just be the first step to buying the C-130J - keeping it within the family.
Cockpit: The two-pilot cockpit is night vision goggle compatible. The flight deck is very similar to that of the C-130J Hercules. The electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS) incorporates five liquid crystal head-down color displays. The navigation and night piloting systems allow the aircraft to fly just above tree height even at night.
Cargo System: The Spartan is constructed with a floor strength equal to that of a C-130J, and the cargo cabin is able to accommodate standard 463L pallets. Without modification it can transport vehicles such as the High Mobility Medium Wheeled Vehicle; AML-90; Perentie 6x6 armoured vehicle; or M113 armoured personnel carrier. Similar military vehicles can be driven on and off the Spartan via a hydraulically operated rear-loading ramp. The aircraft is constructed to offload vehicles quickly while taking fire. An upward opening door is installed in the underside rear fuselage which is used for airdrops of pallets or CDS (Container Delivery System) units.
The aircraft is pressurized, and the cockpit and cargo areas are air-conditioned.
In the aeromedical evacuation role, the aircraft can carry 24 casualties on litters (stretchers) and four medical attendants. The cargo compartment is equipped with a dedicated aeromedical oxygen supply and 12 power centers for medical or auxiliary equipment.
For a paratroop role, the aircraft has door jump platforms and static lines to carry up to 24 fully-equipped paratroopers. Jumps can be carried out from the paratroop doors on both sides of the cargo compartment or from the cargo ramp and rear door. Standard passenger capacity is 34 ground troops.
Engine: The C-27J is equipped with two AE 2100D3 turboshaft engines supplied by Rolls Royce Defence North America (formerly Allison). The engines are rated at 5,000 shp.
Messier-Dowty supply the six bladed composite propellers. The propulsion system allows the C-27J to use short, unprepared strips in hot and high altitude conditions while transporting heavy loads. The Spartan can perform 3.0g tactical airlift operations under severe conditions.
Peter Pigott is FrontLine's regular Aviation correspondent. His twelfth book "Taming the Skies: A Celebration of Canadian Flight" has just been published by the Dundurn Group. www.dundurn.com.
