Maiden Flight of the First Australia C-27J

The Royal Australian Air Force’s first C-27J Spartan has successfully completed its maiden flight in Italy.
The first two C-27J’s are expected to arrive in Australia in 2015. The C-27J Spartan capability is expected to achieve initial operational capability in in late 2016..
The C-27J Spartan is intended to complement the capabilities of the current C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster fleets and has common infrastructure, engines, avionics and cargo handling systems with the C-130J Hercules.
The C-27J Spartan replaces the Caribou, which was retired from service in 2009.
Air Force has re-established Number 35 Squadron to operate the ten C-27J aircraft.
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Alenia Aermacchi receives first Australian C-27J fuselage

The fuselage of Australia's first Alenia Aermacchi C-27J tactical transport has arrived at the company's Turin factory for final assembly.

In May 2012, Australia placed an order for ten C-27Js through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will receive its first example in early 2015.

The C-27J succeeds the de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou aircraft under the AIR 8000 Phase 2 requirement. Although popular with the RAAF, the obsolescent Caribou was retired in 2009. The C-27J's rival for the requirement was the Airbus Military C-295.

flightglobal BY GREG WALDRON