Royal Australian Air Force Leonardo C-27J Spartan medium lift transport aircraft fleet has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC), ...
Royal Australian Air Force Leonardo C-27J Spartan medium lift transport aircraft fleet has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC), Defense Minister Marise Payne announced today.
“The Spartan can access airfields that are unable to support larger transport aircraft, thus increasing the reach for Defence when supporting communities across Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region,” Minister Payne said.
“The Spartan can now be tasked on missions to transport 40 passengers or three military pallets of cargo, as well as fulfil roles such as light equipment airdrop.”
The Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies said he was proud of the milestone, as the C-27J Spartan was the missing piece in our air mobility matrix for tactical aircraft.
The acquisition of the Spartan represents a $1.6 billion investment in Australia’s airlift capability, following the retirement of the Vietnam-era Caribou transports in 2009.
To date, four of Australia’s ten Spartans have arrived in Australia, where they are operated by Number 35 Squadron from RAAF Base Richmond.
Following construction of dedicated facilities at RAAF Base Amberley, Number 35 Squadron will relocate in 2019.
The C-27J is ideal for roles including troop and materials transport, medical evacuation, paratroop and materials airdrops, search and rescue (SAR), logistic supply, humanitarian support, firefighting and civil emergency operations support.
The C-27J has a large cargo box, capable of supporting almost 5 tons per square metre. The aircraft can carry pallets or platforms weighing up to 4,550-6,000 kilos, or 60 equipped soldiers, 46 fully equipped paratroops, 36 stretchers or other combinations up to 30,500 kilos maximum takeoff weight.
The aircraft can operate from airstrips under 500 metres and is powered by two Rolls Royce AE2100-D2/D2A engines rated at 4,650 SHP each.
