Army receives first C-27J Spartan aircraft

NEW YORK, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has received the first of 78 C-27J cargo aircraft from L-3 Communications as part of the Army and Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft program.

New York-based L-3 led a team that includes Italian company Finmeccanica's Alenia Aeronautica and Alenia North America subsidiaries to produce C-27J Spartan military airlifters for the joint cargo aircraft program.

Officials say the first of 78 C-27Js has been presented to the Army as part of a $2 billion deal.

"We are very proud to have achieved this critical milestone in meeting our commitment to our customer," Michael Strianese, L-3 president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"With Alenia, we have consistently performed well throughout all phases of the JCA program, and we look forward to continuing to lead this successful effort."