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C-27J and C-295 Vie for Medium Transport Sales
Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS), formed jointly by the U.S. and Italian companies with HQ in Marietta, Georgia, is competing with Spain's EADS CASA for lucrative medium air cargo markets. Their respective twin-turboprop C-27J Spartan and C-295 projects have identical 1,160 nmi ranges with similar maximum payloads, although the C-27J's maximum take-off weight of 70,106 lb is substantially higher than the C-295's 51,147 lb. Cargo volumes are also similar, although at about 28 ft, including the rear loading-ramp, the C-27J's taller cabin is about half the length of C-295's.
Based on the earlier Alenia G.222, the C-27J is upgraded with C-130J major components, including two 4,640 shp Rolls-Royce Allison AE2100 powerplants, with six-bladed Dowty R-931 propellers, Honeywell/BARCO modular digital avionics and other new systems. Apart from strengthened landing gear, engine attachments, and hydraulic power assisted tail controls, airframe modifications have been few. The C-27J can perform about 60% of C-130J missions, with lower operating costs, and world-wide technical support from Hercules service, spares and logistic supply organizations.
EADS CASA's C-295 is a stretched version of the widely-sold CN-235, developed and built jointly with Indonesia's IPTN, now Dirgantara. The C-295 is solely an EADS CASA project, developed also for maritime patrol and surveillance. With two 1,870 shp General Electric CT7-9C turboprops, the C-295 cruises at up to 246 kt, compared with the C-27J's quoted 325 kt. The latter's power excess is also highlighted by respective minimum field length requirements at maximum weights, of 3,365 ft and 2,265 ft.
Both contestants have completed full military and civil certification, although the C-295 currently leads in sales, with 37 to date. The Spanish air force placed a launch order for nine C-295s, from a February 2000 contract, for deliveries from 2001. Switzerland opted for two in December 2000 in preference to C-27Js. In March 2001, Abu Dhabi selected four ASW/ASuW-equipped C-295MPA Persuader versions, with EADS CASA's fully integrated tactical system (FITS) mission systems, for the UAE's Maritime Patrol Program. The Polish air force bought eight C-295s in August 2001, for 2003-05 delivery, while Brazil ordered 12 in November 2002, with 12 options, to replace 11 FAB DHC-5 Buffaloes. In early 2003, the Royal Jordanian air force committed €36.5 million ($45 million) for two C-295s delivered from April 27 this year, and EADS CASA expects 10-year sales totals of 300 or more.
Italian air force (AMI) options taken up late last year for seven C-27Js from a €350million ($423.12 million) contract, increased total AMI procurement to 12. The first five were ordered in June 2002, for early 2005 initial delivery, and the AMI may buy five more. As the sole current C-27J export customer, the Hellenic air force ordered 12, plus three options in January 2003. This includes four with air-refueling probes and systems, for deliveries beginning next month.
Both the C-27J and C-295 completed extensive North American sales tours late last year, in search of major potential U.S. Coastguard, Army National Guard, and Canadian orders.
—John Fricker
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