Capability of RAAF C-27J Spartan Put on Notice
22 Juli 2020
RAAF operated 10 C-27J Spartan airlifter (photo : hawkesburygazette)
RAAF plane under review because it can't fly into battle
The acquisition of the C-27J Spartan aircraft – which has suffered months of delays – has been added to a Defence Department watchlist because of problems with its design.
The RAAF bought the Italian-built plane as a replacement for the Caribou. It fits in between the Chinook helicopter and larger Hercules and C-17 cargo aircraft for carrying troops and equipment. It has the short take-off and landing ability needed for battlefield airlift.
Ten aircraft have been delivered and final operational capability was meant to be declared last December.
Electronic self-protection system
But RAAF officials have admitted this milestone would not be met until December this year at the earliest because the aircraft's electronic self-protection system, which is designed to keep it safe when under fire, does not meet required standards.
"The C-27J program has been challenging and ... there have been significant delays in terms of achieving the capability outcomes that were originally determined," Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts told Parliament's public works committee earlier this month.
Under questioning from Labor's assistant defence spokesman Pat Conroy, Air Vice-Marshal Roberts agreed that the C-27J would not be able to fly into all types of battle zones.
But she said it had made a useful contribution to bushfire relief efforts.
See full article Financial Review
from DEFENSE STUDIES https://bit.ly/30vMtFI
via IFTTT
RAAF plane under review because it can't fly into battle
The acquisition of the C-27J Spartan aircraft – which has suffered months of delays – has been added to a Defence Department watchlist because of problems with its design.
The RAAF bought the Italian-built plane as a replacement for the Caribou. It fits in between the Chinook helicopter and larger Hercules and C-17 cargo aircraft for carrying troops and equipment. It has the short take-off and landing ability needed for battlefield airlift.
Ten aircraft have been delivered and final operational capability was meant to be declared last December.
Electronic self-protection system
But RAAF officials have admitted this milestone would not be met until December this year at the earliest because the aircraft's electronic self-protection system, which is designed to keep it safe when under fire, does not meet required standards.
"The C-27J program has been challenging and ... there have been significant delays in terms of achieving the capability outcomes that were originally determined," Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts told Parliament's public works committee earlier this month.
Under questioning from Labor's assistant defence spokesman Pat Conroy, Air Vice-Marshal Roberts agreed that the C-27J would not be able to fly into all types of battle zones.
But she said it had made a useful contribution to bushfire relief efforts.
See full article Financial Review
from DEFENSE STUDIES https://bit.ly/30vMtFI
via IFTTT
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