C-27J Spartan
Leonardo (Alenia) · Italy · first flew 1999 · transport aircraft
The C-27J Spartan is a twin-turboprop tactical transport sharing engines and systems with the C-130J Super Hercules, designed for agile battlefield airlift into short, rough strips.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Stubby C-130-style fuselage in a smaller airframe |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High straight wing with two six-blade turboprops
- T-tail above an upswept ramp
- Stubby C-130-style fuselage in a smaller airframe
Look for the high straight wing with two six-blade turboprops and a T-tail above an upswept rear ramp. It resembles a shrunken C-130, but the T-tail and compact proportions distinguish it.
Specifications
- The 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 (two pilots, loadmaster).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Alenia, now Leonardo, from the earlier G.222, the C-27J first flew on 24 September 1999. It uses the Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engines and cockpit technology of the C-130J for commonality.
Variants
Beyond the baseline transport, the airframe supports gunship, firefighting and special-mission fits, and is marketed in updated Next Generation configuration by Leonardo.
Where you'll see it
The C-27J is not an RAF type, but serves Italy, the US and several other air forces. Italian and other operators' aircraft have appeared at UK airshows such as RIAT at Fairford.
Related aircraft
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