Ostrawa 2025-10-03
Leonardo C-27J Spartan.
The Alenia C-27J Spartan is an Italian medium-class transport aircraft developed by Alenia Aeronautica, now Leonardo, in cooperation with Lockheed Martin. It is a modern military aircraft that combines compact size with high versatility. The aircraft is often called the Little Hercules.
The Spartan was based on its predecessor, the Italian G.222 transport aircraft, developed in the 1970s by Aeritalia. In the 1990s, the decision was made to modernize the aircraft, and the C-27J project was created. It utilizes modern avionics and engines identical to those used in the Lockheed Martin C-130 J Hercules. The new aircraft first flew on September 24, 1999. In 2006, the aircraft entered service with the Italian Army. Production ceased in 2004, after 78 units had been built. Users: Australia, Bulgaria, Chad, Greece, Kenya, Lithuania, Morocco, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, USA, Turkmenistan, Italy, Zambia, and Azerbaijan.
The aircraft features short takeoff and landing capabilities, meaning it has STOL capabilities. It can utilize unpaved runways that have been prepared ad hoc. The aircraft is designed to operate in challenging weather conditions, including in armed conflict zones. It can perform the following roles: tactical transport, medical evacuation (MEDIVAC), parachute drop, VIP transport, and humanitarian missions. The plane is one of the few designs that have not experienced any accidents or disasters.
Leonardo C-27J Spartan Design.
The aircraft features a classic layout and is equipped with a rear loading ramp. The cargo hold can accommodate 11,500 kg, for example: 60 soldiers with equipment, 36 wounded on stretchers, 46 paratroopers, or three NATO-standard 463L pallets. The aircraft uses Honeywell avionics.
The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 2100-D2A turboprop engines, each producing 2 x 4,640 hp (2 x 3,460 kW).
Leonardo C-27J Spartan T&T specifications: Crew: two pilots and a loadmaster. Length: 22.70 m. Wingspan: 28.70 m. Height: 9.64 m. Wing area: 82 m². Empty weight: 17,000 kg. Maximum takeoff weight 31,800 kg. Maximum speed 602 km/h (325 knots). Cruising speed 583 km/h. Minimum speed 194 km/h. Ferry range 5,900 km. Range with payload 10,000 kg, 1,850 km. Payload 11,500 kg.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman