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Building on Leonardo's 20 years of experience developing Maritime Patrol (MP/Anti-Submarine Warfare) (ASW) solutions - including the ATR 42 MP, ATR 72 MP, ATR 72 ASW and C aircraft types -27J for the US Coast Guard - the C-27J, as a next-generation maritime patrol aircraft, represents an ideal solution that can be implemented in the short term for the foreseeable need to replace the German P-3 Orion, which can meet the strict capability requirements of the German Navy.

The solution offered by Leonardo from Italy would also be interesting for the German Navy because, following the policy of the European Union to support European industry, it requires a significant proportion of German shares and the involvement of German partner companies for support, maintenance and operation (maintenance, repair, operations , MRO), full logistical and training support, and the development of specific mission-related equipment.

The C-27J Spartan multirole airlifter is now used by numerous air forces - a total of 85 aircraft have been ordered. In addition to Italy, the C-27J Spartan is in Australia, Bulgaria, Greece, Kenya, Lithuania, Morocco, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Zambia, Slovakia, Chad and the United States - for both the US Coast Guard and the Special US Army Operations Command on duty.
Leonardo recently began final testing of the C-27J Next Generation, with the first aircraft due for delivery in 2021. The C-27J will feature new equipment, a new avionics system and advanced aerodynamic assemblies to significantly enhance the aircraft's already impressive performance and interoperability in tactical scenarios.

For the German Navy as well as for other interested European and non-European naval forces, Leonardo is developing the C-27J Spartan as a true multi-mission MPA. For the ASW/ASuW role, the C-27J offers the best performance characteristics among twin-engine aircraft in its class for the most demanding mission scenarios: high cruise speed, long range, high payload, the ability to operate safely at low speed and low altitude, the best outside view from the cockpit. In its 11 foot wide and 8 foot high comfortable cabin, the C-27J Next Generation MPA can easily accommodate state-of-the-art mission systems along with a significant amount of mission-related equipment, ideally suited for safe and efficient maritime operations.

Qualified for temperatures from -55°C to ISA+ 35°C, it is capable of operating under very hot conditions and at high altitude, as has been proven many times in the field. Her Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides an independent power source, essential for safe maritime patrols and operations in remote areas.

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The C-27J Spartan multirole airlifter is now used by numerous air forces - a total of 85 aircraft have been ordered. (Photo: Leonardo)

The concrete range of capabilities of the C-27J Next Generation MPA can be tailored to the very specific customer needs. Typical tasks include, thanks to the special equipment of the aircraft and the large capacity for effectors and sonar buoys, in particular submarine hunting, use against surface units, as well as search and rescue operations (SAR), sea patrols, surveillance and reconnaissance and tasks from the areas of command, control, communication, intelligence (C3ISR).

At the heart of the C-27J MPA's capabilities is Leonardos Electronics' ATOS mission system, which includes up to 5 operator workstations. It manages the sensors, analyzes the information collected, and merges all data to provide mission operators, pilots, control centers, and other forces involved in the operation with a holistic, detailed, real-time tactical situational picture. An AESA search radar, an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system, electronic support measures (ESM) for ISR and SIGINT/ELINT tasks, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) and acoustic subsystem, sonar buoy and ammunition launchers and the cargo management system are among the typical equipment items that can be integrated into the C-27J Next Generation ASW. Six wing pylons can carry light torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and sea mines.
The communication system with data links and SATCOM capabilities enables maximum interoperability with land, sea and airborne units as well as fast data transfer.

With a top speed of 325 KTAS - 602 km/h, a service ceiling of 30,000 ft - 9,144 m and the ability to remain airborne for more than 9 hours in an armed configuration, the C-27J Next Generation ASW aims for significantly expanded operational capability compared to other civil platforms adapted for military use. It thus closes the capability gap for the required range of maritime operations resulting from the impending end of use of veteran aircraft types. The C-27J Next Generation ASW is a cost-effective solution that is convincing in all missions, especially compared to larger and more expensive platforms.