Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) inducted its 10th and final C-27J Spartan tactical airlifter into service during a ceremony at RAAF Ba...
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) inducted its 10th and final C-27J Spartan tactical airlifter into service during a ceremony at RAAF Base Richmond on April 18.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, congratulated RAAF on completing the upgrade to the Australian Defence Force’s comprehensive fleet of air mobility platforms.
The highly versatile aircraft can improve tactical battlefield capabilities with its ability to operate from airfields that are smaller or unsuitable for the larger transport aircraft operated by RAAF like the C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster.
The Spartan can carry up to five tonnes of cargo and is capable of moving troops, equipment and supplies; conducting aero-medical evacuation missions and conducting air drops.
Minister Payne said the Spartans are currently operated by No. 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, and would relocate to RAAF Base Amberley in early 2019.
“The relocation to Amberley will allow No. 35 Squadron to work from facilities purpose-built for the Spartan, and to be more responsive when deploying across Australia and into the Asia Pacific,” Minister Payne said.
According to the Minister, Northrop Grumman Australia has been selected to provide through-life support to the fleet,” Minister Pyne said.
Also Australian company, Fibre Tech Solutions has delivered a cargo restraint system for use on board the Spartan and other air mobility aircraft, increasing the speed and ease of loading and unloading these aircraft.
Over the last 12 months, the Spartan has supported Whole-of-Government efforts in the 2017 Papua New Guinea parliamentary elections and during international exercises in New Zealand, Guam and New Caledonia.
Initial Operating Capability for the Spartan was declared in late 2016, and Final Operating Capability is scheduled to be declared in late 2019.
Powered by two Rolls Royce AE2100-D2/D2A engines rated at 4,637 SHP each, Spartan has a climb rate that allows to reach 10.000 ft in around 5 minutes.
The engines are same as that powers the C-130J Super Hercules, adding to reduced sustainment costs.
The aircraft can operate from airstrips under 500 metres and access small, soft, narrow runways even in snowy and sandy weather conditions.
The C-27J can carry pallets or platforms weighing up to 6,000 kilos, or 60 equipped soldiers, 46 fully equipped paratroops, 36 stretchers or other combinations up to 32,500 kilos maximum take-off weight.
The Australian fleet are also equipped with the latest technologies including Night Vision Goggles (NVG), ballistic protection system, a Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS) missile protection system.
