Leonardo has received a contract to modernize the Italian Air Force’s C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft fleet.
Under the agreement, the firm will perform integration, development, and certification of the aircraft’s latest avionics configuration.
Leonardo will also upgrade the fleet’s flight simulator, self-protection platforms, and associated general systems.
The company will begin work on a single aircraft, followed by 11 more in the future.
‘Better Performance and Efficiency’
According to Leonardo, the latest C-27J avionic suite includes a flight management system, advanced displays, mission computers, radio and satellite communications, and additional aircraft protection capabilities.
The air force’s C-27J training system will also include improved on-board systems, including courseware, flight simulators, and technical publications.
“The latest evolution of the C-27J further improves the Spartan’s efficacy and operational capability,” Leonardo Aircraft Commercial and Customer Services Senior Vice President Dario Marfè stated.
“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.”
Multi-Mission Transport Aircraft
International C-27J users have already undertaken similar programs to modernize their fleet, including Australia, the US, and Romania.
The aircraft can be rapidly reconfigured for tactical airlift, anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, signals intelligence, and firefighting.
The C-27J can also be fitted with additional systems depending on the user’s requirements.
Such capabilities include active electronically scanned array search radar, electro-optical/infrared systems, and other sensors.