USAF and US Army initially buying 78 C-27Js

Jezza

Member
The US Air Force and US Army are initially buying 78 C-27Js, but the total could rise to 207 over the next decade.


L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, L.P., of Greenville, Texas, was awarded a firm-fixed price contract June 13, 2007, estimated at $2.04 billion for procurement of up to 78 Joint Cargo Aircraft (C-27J Spartan).

This includes pilot and loadmaster training, and contractor logistics support for the United States Army and Air Force.

The contract consists of three 12-month ordering periods for Low-Rate Initial Production and two 12-month options for Full-Rate Production.

Four bids were received under the full and open competition in response to the March 17, 2006, request for proposals.


The C-27J is a mid-range, multifunctional and interoperable aircraft, able to perform logistical re-supply, MEDEVAC, troop movement, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance and homeland security missions in support of Homeland Security for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.

The C-27J will replace the U.S. Army's C-23 Sherpas, C-12 and C-26 aircraft and augment the U.S. Air Forces' existing fleet of intratheater airlifters. The aircraft will play a key role in providing responsive aerial sustainment and critical re-supply support for the maneuver force to maintain operational momentum.

"We are very proud that the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force selected the C-27J for the JCA Program," said Michael T. Strianese, President and Chief Executive Officer of L-3 Communications. "For this top priority program, L-3 will be serving as the prime. We look forward to working together with Finmeccanica's Alenia Aeronautica and Alenia NA to deliver combat-ready, military aircraft that will support the joint forces in the field today and set a path for growth well into the future."

"We are very pleased with the selection and acknowledgement that the C-27J is the best solution for the JCA," said Bob Drewes, President and COO of L-3 Integrated Systems Group. "We always believed this aircraft was the right solution and one that best meets the needs of the warfighter. The C-27J is ready to perform the JCA mission today."

In selecting the C-27J the services opted for a performance-proven, effective, multi-mission cargo aircraft to fill a current capability gap in joint aerial delivery. The C-27J meets all requirements to transport critical cargo and personnel, self-deploy over strategic distances, land in austere locations, operate autonomously, and provide routine and combat aerial sustainment to the joint force.

"All of us in the Finmeccanica Group, Alenia Aeronautica, and Alenia North America are proud to have one of our products--the C-27J Spartan--selected by the U.S. Department of Defense as the aircraft platform that will serve the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army requirements for a joint cargo aircraft for many years to come," said Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, chairman and CEO, Finmeccanica. "We are privileged to be a part of the C-27J Team led by L-3, one of the premier U.S. Defense firms, along with The Boeing Corporation. The selection of the C-27J to serve America's armed forces continues the long tradition of strategic cooperation between the United States of America and Italy. We look forward to the continued development of that relationship."

"Today's announcement is the result of a real transatlantic partnership between American and Italian aerospace companies," said Giuseppe Giordo, president and chief executive officer, Alenia North America. "This decision also indicates that the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force both recognize the unique capabilities of our C-27J aircraft, our team and our JCA offering as a whole."

"This team brings together the best of global industry to provide a proven, low-risk solution for our Army and Air Force customers," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "We're very pleased to join with our partners to deliver this latest version of an outstanding airlifter that's ready to meet the mobility needs of our military customers."

The C-27J Spartan is the latest in a successful tradition of military airlifters including the C-27A Spartan and the G-222, which have been deployed by the United States, NATO, Coalition Forces, the United Nations, and Italy in support of military and humanitarian operations in Albania, Armenia, Bosnia, Cambodia, Congo, Operations Desert Shield and Storm, East Timor, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Honduras, Kosovo, Libya, Mali, Panama, Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda and Yemen. C-27A Spartans are currently carrying out vital counter-drug activities for the United States in Central and South America.


L-3 Communications Integrated Systems develops and integrates defense and commercial technology for U.S. and allied customers worldwide. Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 63,000 people worldwide and is a prime system contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. The company reported 2006 sales of $12.5 billion.

Alenia North America's mission is to further expand the industrial and commercial presence of the Alenia Group in North America and it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.

Global Military Aircrafts Systems (GMAS) is a joint venture between L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3 IS), a division of L-3 Communications, and Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company), through its Alenia North America Inc. subsidiary. GMAS aims to provide the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force with a solution for its Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) operational and support requirements, and to pursue the opportunities with the Department of Defense (DoD) and internationally, through the production and the outfit of the C-27J tactical transport aircraft.

Will we see if the RAAF adds onto the USAF order?
 
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RubiconNZ

The Wanderer
Thats the million dollar question, though it should help smooth over any acquisition deal. I wonder if those in the know could detail any possible acquisition relationship between the US and Australia?
 

Magoo

Defense Professional
Verified Defense Pro
Thats the million dollar question, though it should help smooth over any acquisition deal. I wonder if those in the know could detail any possible acquisition relationship between the US and Australia?
Virtually nil - the US decision has little bearing on that of the RAAF. Word is the RAAF's decison has pretty much already been made, and it's now just a matter of working out final numbers (14?) and budget timings.

There's a pretty good article :)rolleyes: :D ;) ) in this month's (July) Australian Aviation on Air 8000 - worth a read for the latest.

Cheers

Magoo
 

contedicavour

New Member
I didn't want to exagerate by opening the thread myself but since somebody volunteered I'll just add that this procurement is very good news for my region in Italy :D

Finmeccanica was heavily criticized when it decided to drop out of the A400 Airbus and continue focusing on its alliances with American manufacturers. Now its strategy is vindicated. C130J and C27 commonalities have been key to obtanining this outcome.

cheers
 
A

Aussie Digger

Guest
I didn't want to exagerate by opening the thread myself but since somebody volunteered I'll just add that this procurement is very good news for my region in Italy :D

Finmeccanica was heavily criticized when it decided to drop out of the A400 Airbus and continue focusing on its alliances with American manufacturers. Now its strategy is vindicated. C130J and C27 commonalities have been key to obtanining this outcome.

cheers
Yes and with a potential order book from the USA alone of over 200 aircraft, it seems like a VERY wise investment.

I can see orders for the C-27J exceed 300 aircraft, provided the US truly does purchase it's planned aircraft.
 

Rich

Member
I just hope they let the Italians style the thing. Ask yourself? Have you ever seen an Italian automobile that wasn't "Beautiful"?
 

hybrid

New Member
I just hope they let the Italians style the thing. Ask yourself? Have you ever seen an Italian automobile that wasn't "Beautiful"?
Actually yes, it was called the Fiat Multipla :shudder

That aside I do wonder if we'll ever see a gunship version of the Spartan? It would definitely make a nice AC-130 complement.
 

Jezza

Member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #8
Actually yes, it was called the Fiat Multipla :shudder

That aside I do wonder if we'll ever see a gunship version of the Spartan? It would definitely make a nice AC-130 complement.


Thats a great idea 14 ass and trash haulers and 2-4 for gunship role.:cool: :cool:
 

contedicavour

New Member
Actually yes, it was called the Fiat Multipla :shudder

That aside I do wonder if we'll ever see a gunship version of the Spartan? It would definitely make a nice AC-130 complement.
Oh yes except that the Multipla is now going to be replaced by this Bravo monospace vehicle :D

Regarding the C27J there are already studies underway for a ASW variant with torpedoes, sonobuoys etc so I guess it isn't a problem to add Vulcan 20mm and other weaponry to have a gunship version.

cheers
 

vivtho

New Member
Actually yes, it was called the Fiat Multipla :shudder

That aside I do wonder if we'll ever see a gunship version of the Spartan? It would definitely make a nice AC-130 complement.
The AC-130 is a very specialized aircraft with just a small fleet in service. The USAF operates such a small fleet not because they can't afford it but because they don't need any more of them. So I don't see the need for a smaller aircraft to complement the AC-130.

I do like the idea of C-27J operators adapting the type for the Maritime Patrol role though.
 
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