Leonardo to Configure C-27J For Fire-fighting Capability

Leonardo is looking to configure the C-27J to make the aircraft better capable of fire-fighting operations to expand its multirole capabilities.

The C-27J fire-fighter has a roll-on/roll-off Fire Attack System (FAS) made by Simplex Aerospace for airborne fire-fighting technology and capability, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

The Simplex Fire Attack System can be easily installed or removed by a small team in approximately 60-90 minutes via the aircraft’s rear loading ramp. No major structural modifications are required to the airframe. The main tank has a maximum capacity of 10,600 l (2,800 gals US). 568 l (150 gals US) of foam retardant can also be added.

The fire-fighting system is one of the options that C-27J customers can add to the C-27J Spartan new baseline configuration which incorporates a brand new avionics system designed to comply with Next Generation Air Traffic Control requirements, new cockpit control panels and LED aircraft lights.

The fire-fighting capability and the new baseline configuration are also being offered as a retrofit to current operators that want to upgrade their C-27J fleet.

Leonardo and European SCODEV Consortium are studying and testing a further innovative solution to enhance the C-27J's fire-fighting potential. The SCODEV scooping device will provide increased operational flexibility by allowing the water tank to be filled from a stretch of water, without the need to return to base. The system will provide a scooping device for the safe loading of water (sea, lakes, rivers) from around 30m above the surface, with a roll-on / roll-off approach to allow the aircraft different roles between fire-fighting, emergency support (medevac) and transport.