Italian Decision to Buy 12 C-27Js Results From Trans-Atlantic Cooperation
MARIETTA, Ga.--- The Italian Air Force today announced its decision to buy 12 C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft for an undisclosed sum to replace its fleet of G.222 transports. In doing so, the Italian Air Force has become the first customer to announce its intention to procure the C-27J.
The C-27J Spartan, an upgraded version of the Alenia G.222, is being developed by Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS) -- a U.S. company jointly owned by Lockheed Martin and Alenia.
"This is certainly a milestone for Lockheed Martin and the C-27J program,'' according to Tom Burbage, President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems. "The Italian Air Force's decision confirms that Lockheed Martin and Alenia have successfully combined our people, technology, and talent to develop the world's finest light-to-medium tactical transport. The C-27J is proof that Trans-Atlantic cooperation does work.''
C-27J deliveries to the Italian Air Force will begin in 2001 and conclude in 2004, with continued logistics support for the aircraft supplied by LMATTS. The Italian Air Force G.222 fleet will be gradually reduced and retired as the Spartans are introduced to service.
The first flight of the C-27J occurred 24 September 1999 at Alenia's Turin facility after nearly two years of engineering design. Flight tests have continued with better than expected results. The Spartan maintains the key features of the G.222 -- large cargo compartment size, payload capability, ruggedness and sustained, high-g maneuverability -- and incorporates key features of Lockheed Martin's C-130J Hercules -- improved avionics and Rolls Royce AE2100 engines -- to give the C-27J much-improved range, speed, performance and reliability over the G.222.
The C-27J is being considered by the Royal Australian, Greek, and Swiss Air Forces to meet their light-to-medium tactical transport needs. In addition, the militaries of both Malaysia and Poland have also expressed interest in the Spartan.
Due to its inherent capabilities as a multi-mission military transport, LMATTS anticipates strong demand for the C-27J as air forces throughout the world either expand or replace their existing transport fleets. The market forecast for the C-27J indicates a worldwide market potential of over 500 Spartans over the next twenty years.
A leader in the design, production and delivery of military aircraft, Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems serves customers including the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. LMAS employs approximately 8,000 people at facilities in Marietta, Ga., and is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
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Italian Decision to Buy 12 C-27Js Results From Trans-Atlantic Cooperation
