C-27J Spartan
Search and rescue is about saving lives. While Canadian Forces SAR teams are among the best trained and most capable in the world, they also have one of the largest areas to cover and face very diverse and demanding conditions during missions. These conditions put a premium on the assured performance capabilities required of a new Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) aircraft.
In order for Canada's SAR teams to continue performing at the high level for which they have become renowned and maintain the level of service and response capabilities that Canadians have come to expect, they must be properly equipped.
In the March 2004 Budget, the Federal Government announced funding for the acquisition of a new fleet of FWSAR aircraft for the Canadian Forces. The current fleet of CC-130 Hercules and CC-115 Buffalos (the latter operating exclusively on the west coast) are now among the oldest aircraft of their type in the world and subject to increasing unserviceability, lack of spare parts and poor availability.
The C-27J Spartan 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-efficient performance than the current fleets. When it comes to saving lives, compromise is not an option.
The C-27J has been designed, built and equipped for completely autonomous deployment in extreme conditions such as those found in Canada's North. The aircraft can operate safely from even the most remote, isolated Canadian locations. The C-27J is a world leader in its capacity to fulfill the SAR mission, from coast to coast to coast.
The C-27J is the ideal military multi-mission aircraft -- a no-risk, no-compromise solution. It is competitively priced and will prove to be the best option for Canada in any competition. The C-27J can meet Canada's SAR requirements at as little as a third of the operating costs of the current aging fleets used for this role.
The C-27J Spartan is in full production, and a new North American production line is being established to deliver the majority of the C-27J aircraft ordered for the U.S. Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program and other opportunities.
Delivery is on schedule, with the first C-27J for the JCA being delivered in fall 2008. In addition, deliveries are underway for Greece (12), Italy (12), Lithuania (3), Bulgaria (5), Romania (7), Slovakia (2) and Morocco (4).
An expeditious launch of the FWSAR program in Canada could provide the potential for integration of work related to both the FWSAR and JCA programs. This presents an excellent opportunity for Canada's aerospace and defence industry to participate in production and in-service support of a rapidly expanding worldwide fleet.
Alenia is committed to expanding its industrial presence in North America, and Canada is a significant portion of that strategy. Alenia North America is working with Canadian industry to establish partnerships and agreements relevant to the JCA and upcoming FWSAR programs.
