February 6, 2009
05-02-2009
Frequently Asked Questions
How many C-27Js are being used for search and rescue worldwide?
The C-27J is a flexible multi-mission military aircraft with outstanding SAR capabilities.
Both Italy and Greece currently use the C-27J Spartan for search and rescue missions, and are taking delivery of a total of 24 C-27Js. The United States, Lithuania and Bulgaria are also currently taking delivery of the C-27J. Romania and Morocco have ordered it, and the C-27J has also been selected by Slovakia.
The C-27J has been evaluated by more than 15 countries on five continents. It has been flown by more than 180 pilots worldwide and demonstrated outstanding performance and reliability.
The use of the Spartan aircraft by both the United States and European countries enables a significant interoperability advantage with our American and NATO allies.
The C-27J also shares many features with the C-130J, which Canada is currently acquiring. The C-27J and C-130J are equipped with the same engines, propellers and cargo pallet size. The C-27J, however, offers greater maneuverability and a lower operating cost for search and rescue missions. Their commonality will enhance cost effectiveness of operations and support for Canada’s Armed Forces.
The C-27J Spartan is the only twin engine candidate proposed for Canada’s next Fixed Wing Search and Rescue mission that is capable of performing the current mission across Canada, is airworthy certified, proven and available today without significant modifications.
So, the C-27J is a SAR aircraft?
Yes, and much more.
The C-27J meets and exceeds all current FWSAR requirements. As the most modern aircraft in its class, the C-27J offers significant superior technological advantages.
As a flexible multi-mission military aircraft, the C-27J has outstanding SAR capabilities. Italy and Greece use the C-27J for search and rescue and are taking delivery of a total of 24 C-27Js.
The C-27J offers a unique blend of capabilities due to its true military design. The cabin size, cockpit visibility, range, speed, and ramp of the C-27J are all elements that are essential to the success of Canadian Forces in the toughest search and rescue mission in the world. Canada requires extreme maneuverability for missions over mountainous terrain; as well as great speed and range to cover a unique vast territory of 15.5 million square kilometers surrounded by harsh environment. The C-27J has a series of distinctive features and capabilities, including but not limited to those listed above, that make it an ideal aircraft for search and rescue.
How does buying the C-27J Spartan benefit Canada’s economy in terms of both jobs and growth opportunities?
The opportunities resulting from the U.S. Army & Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program, and also a potential FWSAR program would have a lot to offer Canada in terms of both of jobs and growth opportunity.
We believe the C-27J Spartan is the right plane for the Canadian FWSAR mission and the right plane for Canada’s aerospace industry.
Alenia North America offers Canadian companies the opportunity to participate as suppliers in a global production line that already has 200 orders with more to come through direct and U.S. foreign military sales. This is an unprecedented opportunity, beyond the IRBs, and beyond participation in the production of the 17 aircraft anticipated for the FWSAR program.
How can Canadian companies contribute substantively to a production line that is based in Jacksonville, Florida?
We are committed to partnering with Canadian industry in a way that far exceeds the traditional level of Industrial Regional Benefits (IRBs) typically associated with military procurement.
The Jacksonville facility will be a final assembly facility. High quality work and innovation can take place in various locations. The kind of work accessible to Canadian companies includes structural components such as wings, undercarriage and propulsion systems on a fleet-wide basis.
Why would selecting the C-27J Spartan be a better solution for Canada over upgrading a Buffalo or designing a new aircraft?
Public statements by senior representatives of the Canadian Government make it clear that it is looking for a single aircraft to replace the outmoded fleet of 40-year-old CC-115 Buffalos andC-130 E/H Hercules.
Alenia North America is offering the C-27J because we believe it is the finest aircraft of its kind, and that it offers the range, speed, maneuverability and visibility required for Canada’s vast and diverse terrain. These capabilities are extremely important when the mission is the no-fail mission: search and rescue.
The C-27J is a state-of-the-art modern aircraft and part of a rapidly expanding worldwide fleet; it is the best-selling twin engine multi-mission military aircraft in the world. The C-27J offers significant advantages in terms of interoperability, delivery time, and cost, not to mention capability.
What can Alenia North America offer Canadian companies in terms of opportunities for involvement in its program?
Alenia is part of Finmeccanica which has an excellent record of engagement with Canadian aerospace companies for high-quality work. Finmeccanica is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world, with a global presence, market leading products and cutting edge technology.
In addition to the FWSAR program and its anticipated direct and in-service support benefits, as well as the U.S. Joint Cargo Aircraft program, some other indirect benefits that will be available to Canada include potential participation in ongoing Alenia aerospace programs such as the Boeing 787, the JSF, the Sukhoi SuperJet 100 Regional Jet; Microelectronics and IT Services; complex structure design and manufacturing, and engineering out-sourcing.
Alenia North America offers Canadian aerospace companies an opportunity to participate as suppliers in a global production line that already has 200 orders with more to come through direct commercial and U.S. foreign military sales. This is an unprecedented opportunity beyond the IRBs and participation in the 17 aircraft anticipated for the FWSAR program.
We have already released RFIs, RFPs and negotiated memoranda of understanding with Canadian companies for future partnerships on these programs – those companies we have approached know we are offering high quality, long-term opportunities.
No other identified competitor for the FWSAR program can provide such an opportunity.
Will Canadian companies have an opportunity to do in--service support of the C-27J?
Once the FWSAR program is launched and the requirements for in-service support are identified, we will invite Canadian companies to demonstrate their capabilities to meet these requirements and the negotiations for ISS will begin at that time.
Are your claims about the JCA program and IRBs for Canada not only credible but realistic?
We believe the C-27J Spartan is the right plane for the mission and the right plane for Canada’s aerospace industry.
Alenia already has significant links in Canada. Our parent company Finmeccanica purchased DRS Technologies Inc. in May 2008. DRS has approximately 400 employees in Canada. Moreover, we have other Canadian links through the Finmeccanica family with companies like Pratt and Whitney, CAE and MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates.
Canadian industry will also have the benefit of other global aerospace programs and international markets through Finmeccanica
Alenia North America offers Canadian aerospace companies an opportunity to participate as suppliers in a global production line that already has 200 orders with more to come through direct and U.S. foreign military sales. This is an unprecedented opportunity beyond the IRBs and participation in the 17 aircraft anticipated for the FWSAR program.
No other identified competitor for the FWSAR program can provide this opportunity – that’s why buying the C-27J Spartan is the right decision for Canada in any economic situation.
What are the types of IRBs that would be available with a North American production line? Don’t there have to be IRBs regardless? How would this program be different?
Canadian industries that get on board now will be able to participate in future global sales and sustainment activities. This is an outstanding opportunity for Canadian companies to participate in high quality production and in-service support. Here are some examples of the opportunities for involvement that Alenia offers Canadian companies:
- Construction of the new facility and the furnishing of the tools/equipment required by the new assembly line
- Structural packages: wings, empennages, ramp, doors, etc.
- Supply of pipes and electrical wiring
- Supply of major systems (e.g. avionics equipment, etc.)
- Maintenance of major systems (e.g. engines, propellers, landing gear, etc.)
Will the delivery time be longer for Canada because the production line will be making so many aircraft for the United States?
No. There would be two production lines and the orders would be managed between the two. Alenia is committed to meeting the requirements of the Canadian Government and is capable of delivering aircraft within 24 months.
What would be the price of the C-27J for Canada?
The C-27J is competitively priced, and highly affordable especially when measured against the current fleet costs. Canada could pay for the cost of the entire fleet of C-27Js in 10-12 years just from the savings on what is currently being spent to repair, maintain and operate the Buffalo and Hercules aircraft used for SAR.
