First Spartan for the US Army takes to the skies

Alenia Aeronautica took the first C-27J destined for the US Army up on its first flight today from their facility in Turin, Italy. This C-27J Spartan will be the first in a contract order of 78 Spartans under the Defense Department's Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program to supply a light tactical logistical support aircraft for the Army and Air Force. The 40 minute flight was just a small step towards conducting a 70 hour flight test program. The first Spartan is intended to join the Army's fleet by September of this year. By 2010, all C-27Js built for the US will be assembled in Jacksonville, Florida with outfitting conducted at L-3's facility in Waco, Texas. The Spartan team of Alenia and L-3 took a turn for the unusual recently when Boeing decided to drop its partnership in the deal.

Home to PointNiner