Leonardo C-27J Spartan

The Leonardo C-27J Spartan is essentially a heavily modernised and more powerful version of the Aeritalia G.222 which was known as the C-27A in the USA. Co-developed between Alenia Aermacchi (now part of Leonardo) and Lockheed Martin, this medium tactical transport aircraft features the same engines as the C-130J Hercules and a modern glass cockpit. Deliveries to the Italian Air Force began in 2006 following a first flight in 1999 and since then the C-27J has been delivered to over 15 other nations including Australia and the USA.

The Romanian Air Force operated a fleet of five C-27s, receiving the first during 2009. The fleet replaced their soviet era transport aircraft and are used for a variety of different roles. During 2013, the Romanian Air Force trialled and introduced an innovative firefighting system for the C-27 which was then offered as equipment to all operators of the type by Alenia Aermacchi.

The Romanian Air Force will be sending one of their C-27Js for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo. The aircraft will be provided by the 902nd Operational Air Transport and Aerophotogrametric Squadron based at Bucharest – Otopeni IAP as part of our NATO 75th anniversary.

Photo Credit: Paul Morrison