Leonardo and the National Armaments Directorate have signed a multi-year contract for the Logistical Support for the fleet of tactical transport aircraft C-27J “Spartan” of the Air Force and for the Full Motion (Full Mission Simulator) of the International Training Center (ITC) at the Pisa Air Base, the headquarters of the 46th Air Brigade.
The contract will evolve from 2026 to 2028 according to a “Performance Based” model, ensuring high efficiency levels for the fleet of 12 aircraft of the Armed Force operating on the bases of Pisa and Pratica di Mare (Roma).
During the same period, Leonardo will provide technical-administrative management services of the operations at the Air Force’s International Training Center in Pisa and, importantly, technical support and maintenance services to the simulator of the ITC in Pisa.
Unique Features of the C-27J Spartan
Leonardo’s C-27J “Spartan” is the most efficient, multi-mission, and versatile tactical transport aircraft available today in the market. With 2 powerful turboprops, it offers extraordinary performance, extreme operational flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Its ability to operate from unpaved runways in extreme environmental conditions cannot be matched by any other transport aircraft in its category.
These exceptional characteristics are further enhanced in the upgraded C-27J Spartan Next Generation, which introduces new equipment and aerodynamic solutions.
Thanks to its structural robustness and system redundancy, the ‘Spartan’ offers unique quality in terms of reliability, resilience, and maneuverability demonstrated by the over 275,000 completed flight hours.
Multipurpose Capabilities of the C-27J Spartan
Ordered and used by some of the most important air forces in the world, the C-27J has been extensively tested in the most challenging operational environments and proves every day that it can effectively complete a wide range of missions.
Among the typical tasks of the C-27J, in addition to transport and airdrop operations to provide support to the troops near the front line (‘last tactical mile’), also include rescue missions in case of calamities and forest fire fighting.
The C-27J cabin can be quickly converted into 11 main configurations, each designed to perform a specific type of mission.
The 5 basic configurations (Cargo transport, Troop transport, Medical evacuation, Airdrop cargo, Paratrooper airdrop) are implemented through standard kits and each can be set up in less than 30 minutes.
The 6 optional configurations require modules or devices available upon customer request and are: VIP transport, Passenger transport, Special MEDEVAC, Biocontainment, Base firefighting and Advanced firefighting.
Source and photo credit @Leonardo Press Office
