C-27A Spartan • wp.archivoaereo.com

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Origin and Development

The C-27 Spartan is a tactical military transport aircraft, developed by the Italian company Alenia Aermacchi (now Leonardo). Its design was based on the successful Alenia G222 transport aircraft, also of Italian manufacture. This program represented an effort to modernize air transport capabilities.

Production and Collaboration

Serial production of the C-27A version was initiated by the American firm Chrysler Technologies Airborne Systems Inc. This company was part of the LMATTS consortium (Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems), highlighting the transatlantic collaboration in its development. This cooperation aimed to combine European design expertise with American production capability.

Operational Role and Evolution

The primary task of the C-27A was to perform missions as a Rapid-Response Intra-Theater Airlifter (RRITA) for the US Army Southern Command. Serial production began in August 1991, but the model was almost immediately replaced by a more advanced version, the C-27J Spartan. This rapid evolution demonstrates the continuous pursuit of greater efficiency and capability in military aviation.

Technical Specifications

Modification	С-27A
Wingspan, m	28.70
Length, m	22.70
Height, m	10.57
Wing area, m2	82.00
Empty weight	16103
Normal takeoff weight	25800
Maximum takeoff weight	28000
Internal fuel, kg	9400
Engine type	2 Turboprop General Electric T64-GE-P4D
Power, kW	2 x 2535
Maximum speed, km/h	487
Cruising speed, km/h	463
Practical range, km	2779
Operational range, km	555
Service ceiling, m	6705
Crew	3-4 crew
Payload	46 soldiers or 40 paratroopers or 30 passengers or 24 stretchers with 4 attendants or 9000 kg of cargo