Tanzania Acquires Leonardo C-27J Spartan Aircraft

Tanzania has secured two Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft for civil support missions, including firefighting operations on Mount Kilimanjaro and across the East African region.

As per Italian media, the deal was officially announced by the Italian government on January 9. It followed the signing ceremony attended by Tanzanian Minister of Defence and National Service, Stergomena Tax, and Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, Marco Lombardi. The specifics of the contract value and delivery timeline remain undisclosed.

The C-27J Spartan, renowned for operating from unsurfaced airstrips in remote environments, has an 11-tonne payload and a 3,070 nautical mile ferry range. Manufactured by Alenia/L3, this light tactical airlift aircraft has a crew of pilot, co-pilot, and loadmaster. With a length of 22.7 meters, height of 9.6 meters, and wingspan of 28.7 meters, it's powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 2100-D2 engines, achieving a max speed of 670 km/h and a range of 1,700 km. Operating at 30,000 feet, it accommodates 34 passengers, 21 stretcher patients, and 5,000 kg of cargo, excelling in in-flight cargo drops, paratroop airdrops, diverse cargo airlift, and aeromedical evacuation.

Leonardo's recent introduction, the C-27J Next Generation (NG), enhances the aircraft with advanced features, including cockpit displays, weather radar, modern navigation, communications equipment, and aerodynamic improvements.