Introduction
The C-27J Spartan is the perfect fixed-wing multipurpose cargo aircraft for today's diverse missions. Extremely maneuverable and versatile, the rugged C-27J boasts the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class and the ability to perform 3.0g force maneuvers in the style of fighter aircraft, enabling tight turns and a rapid climb and descent. The C-27J can fly farther, faster and higher than any other twin engine military transport aircraft in its class.
The C-27J features the unique capability to vary cargo floor height and continuously adjust attitude, ensuring easy loading and unloading of large volume, highdensity payloads without ground support equipment and also facilitating drive-in/out of vehicles so that they can be in use immediately.
The C-27J offers significantly more capability than any other aircraft in its class. Its large flight envelope allows it to carry out the most demanding tactical missions quickly, safely and effectively.
Operational Capability
The C-27J's structural strength, power and system redundancy provide a high level of safety and an unbeatable mission accomplishment rate. The C-27J has outstanding threat-avoidance capabilities, including a take-off ground run of about 1,900 feet at maximum take-off weight on an unpaved surface. In a tactical environment, the aircraft is capable of climbing to 10,000 ft in 3 minutes, descending from 10,000 ft in under 2.5 minutes, and can handle up to 3.0g forces. At its maximum landing weight, the C-27J has a ground roll of less than 1,115 ft.
Operators
The C-27J is in service with the Air Forces of Greece, Italy, Lithuania and Bulgaria. The aircraft is also under production for the U.S. Army and Air Force's Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program. The C-27J is the best selling twin-turboprop military tactical airlifter in the world, ordered by six air forces: Italian (12 aircraft), Greek (12, plus 3 options), Lithuanian (3), Bulgarian (5) and by the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force (78), for a total of 110 aircraft. Furthermore, the C-27J has also been selected by the Romanian Air Force for 7 aircraft, with a contract currently under negotiation.
Manufacturers says
No other aircraft in its class can offer a solution with comparable range, payload, flexibility or reliability.
Avionics
The C-27J Spartan has a state-of-the-art suite of standard off-the-shelf military equipment integrated with military standard digital data bus architecture. The avionics represent the most advanced system available in tactical airlifters, and is compatible with emerging Future Air Navigation System (FANS) requirements. The avionics and cockpit were designed with growing capability in mind to satisfy specific customer needs.
Cockpit
The C-27J is equipped with electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS), incorporating five liquid crystal color multi-functional display units (CMDU) that provide aircraft control, operations and navigation data.
The basic avionics configuration includes:
Modern Electronic Flight Integration System (EFIS)
Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS)
Military based Flight Management Systems (FMS)
Dual Digital Autopilot/Flight Directors (DA/FD)
Dual Embedded GPS Inertials (EGI)
Communication, Navigation, and Identification-Management System (CNI-MS)
Two Very High Frequency (VHF)/Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio sets
Two High Frequency (HF) radio sets
Low Power Color Radar (LPCR)
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR)
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
With a full suite of navigation aids, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatible cockpit and NVIS compatible internal and external lighting, the C-27J Spartan can operate in all weather conditions, day and night.
Powerplant
The C-27J is powered by two Rolls-Royce E 2100D2 engines capable of up to 4,637 shp each, and equipped with full authority digital electronic control. The strong propulsion system allows for access to a wide range of airfields, enabling landings on short, unprepared strips, in hot weather and high-altitude conditions - all while transporting heavy loads. With a maximum take-off weight (in a combat scenario) of 67,241 lbs (3.0 g), a cruising ceiling of 30,000 ft and a maximum speed of 325 knots, the C-27J Spartan is guaranteed to get in, get out and get the job done.
A third APU makes the aircraft completely independent from external support, increasing the operational effectiveness in forward deployed areas. In addition, the APU is fully operational in the entire flight envelope, including engine-starting capability up to 22,000 ft.
Engine specification
Power 4637 SHP
Propeller Dowty R-391 six-blade
Diameter (m) 4.11 (ft) 13 a 5
SPECIFICATIONS
Weights
Maximum take off weight (logistic) (lb) 70,107 (kg) 31,800
Maximum take off weight (basic) (lb) 67,241 (kg) 30,500
Maximum landing weight (6 FPS sink rate) (lb) 67,241 (kg) 30,500
Normal landing weight (10 FPS sink rate) (lb) 60,627 (kg) 27,500
Maximum payload (lb) 25,353 (kg) 11,500
Fuel capacity (US Gal) 3,255 (l) 12,320
Optional fuel tank (US Gal) 402 (l) 1,520
Configurations and Loads
Troop transport up to 68 +2 loadmasters
Paratroop transport up to 46 +2 loadmasters (seats @ 20" MIL-S-27174B)
Cargo transport/Low Velocity Air Drop (LVAD) up to 25,353 lbs/19,842 lbs
12E (54"x88")
7 HCU-12E (54"x88")
12 A22 CDS Bundles with a maximum weight of 19,842 lbs
LAPES up to 11,200 lbs
Wheeled and tracked vehicles, spare engines, etc.
Medevac 36 stretchers + 6 medical attendants
Performance
Tactical take off ground run (MTOW, ISA, S.L.) (ft) 1,903 (m) 580
One engine out ceiling at ISA, 95% MTOW (ft) 14,500 (m) 4,420
Maximum service ceiling (ft) 30,000 (m) 9,144
Maximum cruise speed 315 Ktas at MTOW
Landing ground roll (MLW normal, ISA, S.L.) (ft) 1,115 (m) 340
Range (logistic operation)
"¢ with 22,046 lbs of payload (nm) 1,000 (km) 1,852
"¢ with 13,227 lbs of payload (nm) 2,300 (km) 4,260
"¢ Ferry (nm) 3,200 (km) 5,926