Alenia C-27J Spartan
Alenia / Lockheed Martin (Leonardo) · Italy · first flew 1999 · transport aircraft
The C-27J Spartan is a twin-turboprop medium tactical transport, developed by re-engining the Alenia G.222 with the powerplant and avionics of the C-130J.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Upswept rear fuselage with ramp and T-tail |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High wing with two large six-blade turboprops
- Upswept rear fuselage with ramp and T-tail
- Compact scaled-down C-130J look
It looks like a shrunken C-130J, with a high straight wing carrying two big six-blade turboprops. The rear fuselage sweeps up to a loading ramp beneath a T-tail. Main wheels retract into side fairings on the lower fuselage.
Specifications
- The Alenia C-27J Spartan has a length of 22.7 m (74 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 28.7 m (94 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 602 km/h (374 mph).
- Typical crew: 3 (2 pilots plus loadmaster).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Alenia teamed with Lockheed Martin to modernise the old G.222, and the C-27J first flew in 1999. The commonality with the larger Hercules eased operation of mixed fleets. It entered service through the 2000s with Italy and a growing export list.
Variants
The baseline transport is joined by the MC-27J armed and special-mission version fitted with a side-firing weapon and sensors. Leonardo has offered a next-generation upgrade with revised systems. Interior fits cover cargo, paradropping and medical evacuation.
Where you'll see it
The RAF did not procure the C-27J, having built its tactical lift around the Hercules, C-17 and A400M. Elsewhere the type serves Italy, Australia, Romania, Lithuania and the United States among others. It excels at austere-strip logistics and battlefield resupply.
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