Leonardo and Armaereo, the Directorate of Air Force Armament and Airworthiness within the Italian Defence Ministry, have formalized a contract marking a significant advancement in the enhancement of the Italian Air Force’s C-27J Spartan fleet.
The agreement encompasses: the evolution, integration, qualification, and certification of a novel avionics configuration for the C-27J, the modernization of various general systems onboard, the self-protection mechanism, and the flight simulator. Moreover, it includes the initial delivery of the first aircraft in this configuration, which may be followed by the retrofitting of the remaining eleven aircraft.
Through this agreement, the Air Force’s C-27J will undergo a considerable enhancement of its avionic suite, incorporating new elements such as the Mission Computer, Flight Management System, Head-Up and Head-Down displays, as well as advanced radio and satellite communication systems, self-protection systems, and additional upgrades that will elevate the aircraft’s versatility and operational efficiency. The training infrastructure will also be revamped to align with the newly integrated systems onboard, ensuring synchronicity between training devices (flight simulators) and educational materials, along with accompanying technical documents.
Dario Marfè, Senior Vice President of Commercial and Customer Services at Leonardo, Aircraft Division, remarked: “The latest iteration of the C-27J significantly boosts the Spartan’s effectiveness and operational capacity. We are delighted to share that the Italian Air Force has selected the modern avionic configuration of the C-27J, destined to deliver improved performance and efficiency. With its adaptability and mission versatility, the C-27J presents an even wider array of capabilities to assist operators in navigating emerging challenges.”
The Spartan epitomizes the core of national defense, demonstrating its role as an exceptional asset for military operations while also offering crucial support for civil protection missions, functioning effectively in reaching communities, even in the nation’s most secluded and demanding regions.
Prior to the Italian Air Force’s involvement, the Royal Australian Air Force had already initiated a contract to modernize its fleet. Recently, Romanian and US users of the Spartan, including US SOCOM and US Coast Guard, opted for avionics improvements for their C-27J fleets.
The retrofitting options have been meticulously crafted as part of the C-27J development initiative, ensuring that operators can continuously benefit from enhancements implemented in the aircraft.
A wide array of kits and easily deployable, transportable roll-on/roll-off mission systems enables the C-27J to be swiftly adapted to fit the mission requirements. As a ‘tactical airlifter,’ the aircraft’s adaptability ranges from transporting troops and cargo to executing airdrops of paratroopers and supplies, from medical evacuation on the battlefield to VIP transport, and from humanitarian aid and disaster response to firefighting. The C-27J can be configured for Maritime Patrol (MPA), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Command-Control-Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C3ISR) missions.
The C-27J is capable of being equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) search radar, electro-optical/infrared systems, and other specialized sensors crucial for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Maritime Patrol (MPA), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) operations, supporting Special Operations Forces and ground troops. The aircraft’s sensors can be controlled through a palletized, quickly detachable mission system that evaluates collected data and relays it to the crew in real time. The firefighting configuration, utilizing the roll-on/roll-off second-generation Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II) developed by United Aeronautical Corporation, a global leader in advanced aerial application systems, further amplifies the C-27J’s multi-mission capabilities.
