Leonardo and Armaereo, the Directorate for Aeronautical Armament and Airworthiness of the Italian Ministry of Defense, signed a contract that represents an important step in the modernization of the Italian Air Force’s C-27J Spartan fleet.
The contract includes the development, integration qualification and certification of a new avionics configuration for the C-27J, the upgrade of several general systems on the aircraft, the self-protection system and the flight simulator. In addition to the modernized C-27J prototype, the remaining 11 aircraft will be able to carry this new configuration.
The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana or AMI) C-27J will receive a major upgrade of its avionics suite through the integration of new features such as the Mission Computer, the Flight Management System, Head Up and Head Down displays, radio and satellite communication systems, self-protection system and other upgrades that improve the aircraft’s flexibility and operational efficiency.
The training system will also be updated based on the new systems introduced on board, aligning both training devices (flight simulators) and teaching materials (courseware) together with the relevant technical publications.
Dario Marfè, Senior Vice President Commercial and Customer Services of Leonardo, Aircraft Division, said: “The latest evolution of the C-27J further improves the Spartan’s efficacy and operational capability. We’re proud to announce that the Italian Air Force has chosen the new avionic configuration of the C-27J, which will provide even better performance and efficiency. With its versatility and mission flexibility, the C-27J offers an even broader range of capabilities to support the operators in facing new challenges.”
Before the Italian Air Force, the Australian Air Force signed an agreement to modernize its fleet. Very recently, Romania and the US Spartan operators, US SOCOM and US Coast Guard, also chose to modernize the avionics of their C-27J aircraft fleets.
Modernization possibilities have been specifically studied as part of the development of the C-27J program, with the objective of allowing operators to constantly benefit from the improvements made to the aircraft.
See also: Slovenia acquires one Leonardo C-27J Spartan
Multi-mission asset
A multitude of easy-to-install and transport roll-on/roll-off mission kits and systems allow the C-27J to quickly transform into the configuration required for the relevant mission.
As a “tactical transport aircraft,” the aircraft’s versatility extends from airlifting troops and cargo to airdropping paratroopers and materials, from battlefield medical evacuation to VIP transport, from humanitarian assistance and natural disaster response to firefighting, via United Aeronautical Corporation’s second-generation modular airborne firefighting system (MAFFS II) roll-on/roll-off.
The C-27J can be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) search radar, electro-optical/infrared systems and other specific sensors essential for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), maritime patrol (MPA), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) missions, support to Special Operations Forces and ground troops. The aircraft’s sensors can be managed through a palletized and rapidly removable mission system that analyzes the collected data and transmits it to the crew in real time.
