Italian AF, Alenia Sign Deal for MC-27J Gunships

The Italian Air Force signed an agreement Monday with Alenia Aermacchi to convert up to six C-27J Spartan cargo planes into a multimission gunship configuration called the MC-27J Pretorian.
Alenia has partnered with US-based ATK to conduct the gunship modifications, which include sensors, communications and cannon.
Alenia will use one of its C-27Js as a prototype that will receive advanced communication and sensor equipment. The Air Force then plans to deploy the aircraft to Afghanistan for trials.
Alenia will then convert three Air Force C-27Js into the gunship configuration by 2016. An additional three aircraft will also be modified to accept the gunship equipment.
The modifications will be conducted at an Alenia facility in Italy. Once complete, half of the Air Force’s 12-aircraft C-27J fleet will fashion the Pretorian upgrade.

What About the US C-27Js?

Following the US Air Force’s decision to stop flying its 21 C-27Js, seven have been transferred to the US Army’s Special Operations Command.
The other 14 aircraft remain in limbo and will likely end up in the US Coast Guard and Forest Service.
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