Air Guard Readies for C-27J Fleet

[unhappycamper]

Air Guard Readies for C-27J Fleet
November 03, 2009
Air Force Print News|by Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke and TSgt. Scott T. Sturkol

ARLINGTON, Va. - For the first time ever, the Air National Guard will be the sole operator of a new aircraft straight off the assembly line.

The C-27J Spartan, the latest propeller-driven airlifter, is an "extremely rugged" aircraft, designed for austere environments, said Air Force officials. It is about half the size of a C-130 with 3.5 cargo pallet positions.

"It is the first time in Air Force history where the service acquired a new airframe solely owned, operated and maintained by the Air National Guard," said Lt. Col. Chris Beckman, the ANG's aviation planning and execution chief.

In April, through Resource Management Decision 802, Defense Secretary Robert Gates moved the C-27J program and its related direct support mission from the Army to the Air Force.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., supported Gates' decision saying "we need the capability to re-supply our forces. We do not have to fly the planes to get that."


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/air-force-news/air...



unhappycamper comment: Read all about this marvelous $32 million dollar wonder at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-27J