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News > Air Force officials announce C-27J aircraft basing proposal
 
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National Guard to fly C-27Js
The C-27J Spartan is a twin turboprop aircraft with a short take-off-and-landing capability that will provide access to airstrips otherwise unreachable by fixed-wing aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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Air Force officials announce C-27J aircraft basing proposal

Posted 10/13/2010 Email story   Print story

    

10/13/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials announced Oct. 13 that Great Falls International Airport, Mont., is the preferred alternative to be the seventh operational location for bedding down four C-27J Spartan aircraft.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz announced in July two candidate bases that included Boise Air Terminal Air Guard Station, Idaho, and Great Falls International Airport. Site survey teams evaluated the two candidate sites for feasibility, timing, cost and planning purposes to meet initial operational capability requirements.

The C-27J is a twin turboprop engine aircraft designed to meet the Air Force requirement for a rugged, medium size airland transport. The C-27J gives U.S. military troops a unique, short-take-off-and-landing capability, providing access to airstrips otherwise unreachable by fixed-wing aircraft.

The first six operational bases announced in July 2008 were Martin State AGS, Baltimore, Md.; W.K. Kellogg Airport, Battle Creek, Mich.; Bradley International Airport AGS, Bradley, Conn.; Hector Field AGS, Fargo, N.D.; Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport, Mansfield, Ohio; and Key Field AGS, Meridian, Miss.

The final basing decision for the seventh operational base is pending completion of environmental impact analysis, expected by May 2011. A final announcement is expected in June 2011 with aircraft delivery expected in mid-2014.



tabComments
10/15/2010 9:14:44 AM ET
Too bad we couldn't satisfy this important operational need with a truly American airplane. At least the USAF should be buying 100 percent American.
Capt S, NH
 
10/14/2010 6:48:26 PM ET
Why not put them @ Robins AFB, Ga? There is a Guard unit there that is going through a deblend with an active duty unit and the a/c they are supporting now do not currently have a state mission. The facilities are already in place and there is the C-27 school house there.
Joseph Wood, Georgia
 
10/14/2010 5:34:32 PM ET
There is a huge demand in Afghanistan to do LCLA airdrop and resupply. I believe that planes like the C-27 Spartan can meet that need and four is a great start towards supporting the fight.
Trevor Seiling, Langley AFB VA
 
10/14/2010 4:07:27 PM ET
I think we could use the C-27J for the AE mission. They would be a great addition to Kelly Field and the C-5 team we could also expand the current school house based at Lackland.
Steve Solano, San Antonio TX
 
10/14/2010 12:01:02 PM ET
If the Air Force plans to expand the the basing of the Spartan to other bases, I would like to see them with the PR ANG. I think the platform will work perfect for the type of missions they perform.
Angel Alvarado, Charleston SC
 
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