A Pilot's Opinion
The C-27J Spartan is a high-performance, multi-mission, military aircraft with outstanding SAR capabilities. It is the only twin-engine aircraft in the world that meets or exceeds all of the Canadian Forces requirements for FWSAR, including better and more cost-effective performance capabilities than the current fleet.
Engine / Propellers
Speed and Range
The ability to reach the search area quickly is the most important element of SAR operations - every second counts when lives are on the line. Speed is particularly important for Canada given the vast territory of land and ocean that must be covered. Boasting a maximum speed of 325 KTAS (602 km/h), which is the same as Canada's SAR CC-130s, the C-27J can reach locations anywhere in Canada, including those in the far North and at sea, very quickly.
Search Patterns
Once at the search location, the C-27J's speed and un-refuelled range allows SAR crews to cover the search area quickly and stay there for extended periods of time. The C-27J can also complete more missions than slower aircraft in the same period of time.
| Maximum Cruise Speed |
325 KTAS (602 km/h) |
| Maximum Engine Power |
4637 SHP each |
| Ferry Range |
3200 nm (5926 km) |
| Range with 10,000 kg Payload |
1000 nm (1852 km) |
| Range with 6,000 kg Payload |
2300 nm (4260 km) |
Manoeuvrability and Versatility
Landing Gear
The C-27J is extremely manoeuvrable and versatile - making it ideal for SAR operations in all weather conditions anywhere across Canada's diverse terrain. With a rugged construction, highest in its class power-to-weight ratio, and the ability to perform fighter aircraft like, 3.0g force manoeuvres; the C-27J can make tight turns, and climb and descend quickly, which is particularly important for mountain SAR.
Tactical take-off and landing
The C-27J can take-off and land surprisingly quickly, virtually anywhere. It is very responsive and performs safely at the slow speeds and low altitudes required for searching.
| Time to climb to 10,000 feet |
3 minutes |
| Time to descend from 10,000 feet |
2.5 minutes |
| Take-off Ground Run at Maximum Take-off Weight, ISA, SL |
580 m (634 yards) |
| Landing Ground Roll at Maximum Landing Weight normal at 10 foot/second sink rate, ISA, SL |
340 m (372 yards) |
Visibility
The C-27J provides unparalleled visibility, which is essential for successful searching and manoeuvring in mountainous terrain, through 16 cockpit windows and bubble windows on both sides of the fuselage.
Cabin Area
Cabin Area
With a height of 2.6 m (8.53 ft) and cross section of 6.96 m2 (75 ft2), the C-27J's cabin area is the ideal configuration for efficient and safe SAR operations. During missions, SAR crews can move around freely even when wearing bulky equipment in preparation for a parachute jump.
Paratroops Doors
Paratroop Drop
Jump Safety
Side doors with a height of 1.92 m (6.3 ft) are higher than Canada's CC-130s and the same width; a rear door that is 2.25 m (7.38 ft) high; a maximum jump weight of 159 kg (350 lbs) (the same as the C-130J); and a distance of 104 cm (41 in) between the propeller and fuselage to reduce turbulence, are all features of the C-27J that provide SAR personnel with unsurpassed jump safety.
Capacity
Rear Ramp
With its high and wide cabin that has a floor strength of 4,900 kg/m along the entire length, the C-27J has outstanding lift capabilities and is fully compatible with heavier military transport aircraft. It can accommodate 46 fully-equipped paratroopers at 20" seats MIL-S-27174B or 36 stretchers with 6 medical attendants for medevac operations in support of SAR.
| Maximum Take-off Weight at 2.25 g (logistic) |
31,800 kg (70,107 lbs) |
| Maximum Take-off Weight at 2.5 g and 3.0 g |
30,500 kg (67,241 lbs) |
| Maximum Payload at 2.25 g (logistic) |
11,500 kg (25,353 lbs) |
| Maximum Payload at 2.5 g |
9000 kg (19,842 lbs) |
| Maximum Payload at 3.0 g |
8500 kg (18,739 lbs) |
| Maximum Landing Weight at 6 foot/second sink rate |
30,500 kg (67,241 lbs) |
| Maximum Landing Weight normal at 10 foot/second sink rate |
27,500 kg (60,627 lbs) |
Operational Support
The C-27J is designed to be very cost-effective to maintain and support. Man-hours for aircraft maintenance are kept to a minimum thanks to:
- an effective, built-in test capability combined with a Ground Based Data System (GBDS) for diagnostics and maintenance data tracking;
- high system reliability;
- easy component accessibility; and
- extended intervals for scheduled maintenance.
Life-cycle costs are also minimised through the implementation of flexible and affordable support solutions tailored to specific customer needs.
Mission Accomplishment
Auxiliary Power Unit
The C-27J's structural strength, power and system redundancy provide a high-level of safety and an unbeatable mission accomplishment rate. It is equipped with: a double hydraulic circuit; 3 generators; 3 alternators; 3 Transformer Rectifier Units; 3 engine restart options; fuel jettison capability; and a 3-spar wing and vertical tail structure. The C-27's on-board Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) allows it to start easily in cold temperatures and operate autonomously from austere locations without external ground support.
Designed for Growth
The C-27J, as a next generation, multi-mission, military aircraft, offers exceptional capability at entry into service and great potential for future growth to maintain dominance in its aircraft category well into the 21st century.
Technological Features
Cockpit
The C-27J is equipped with the latest aerospace technology, providing inherent SAR capabilities that are a significant improvement over Canada's current FWSAR aircraft, including:
- state-of-the-art military avionics and SAR-compatible mission/communication systems
- 5 multi-purpose, colour display units
Radar
- colour radar and SAR sensors for precise navigation, detection, localisation, marking and tracking
- a two-person, ergonomic cockpit with controls and displays within easy reach and view
- light sources that are Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) and Night Vision Goggle compatible
- Rolls-Royce AE2100 D2 turboprop engines
- Dowty R-391 all-composite, six-blade propellers
SAR Configuration
The C-27J can be configured to meet any of the Canadian Forces' requirements. The SAR configuration can be installed as a non-removable, imbedded system or as a palletized system, which provides the flexibility to re-configure the cabin area for medevac or mass casevac in support of SAR operations. The configuration can provide for a crew of six (2 pilots, 1 flight engineer, 1 navigator/mission operator and 2 SARTechs) and include a workstation equipped with navigation and sensor equipment for the Mission Operator, a rest/planning area, and two observer stations. The port side of the cabin area can be left clear for para-jumps.
Dimensions
| Length |
22.7m |
| Height |
4.8m |
| Tail Height |
9.6m |
| Wing Span |
28.7m |
| Tail Span |
12.4m |
| Cabin Height |
2.6m |
| Cabin Floor Width |
2.45m |
| Cabin Diameter |
3.33m |
| Cabin Cross Section |
6.96m2 |
| Cabin Length |
11.43m (including ramp) |
| Cabin Floor Area |
23.23m2 (excluding ramp) |
| Cabin Volume |
69.5m2 (excluding ramp) |
