Final assembly for Australian C-27Js

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TURIN, Italy, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- The first of 10 C-27J aircraft being built by Italy's Alenia Aermacchi for the Australian air force is set for final assembly.

The C-27J is a medium-sized twin-engine turboprop transporter with a maximum speed of 374 miles per hour and a range of more than 1,000 miles carrying a 22,000-pound payload. Eight countries, including the United States operate the aircraft.

"In the tactical transport role, the C-27J provides the best possible integration with the existing Australian Defense Force fleet," Alenia Aermacchi said. "It will provide an airlift capability between the CH-47 Chinook and C-130J Hercules, as well as integrating with the much larger C-17A Globemaster."

Alenia Aermacchi said final assembly of the aircraft will be performed in Turin following transport of the plane's fuselage at a Naples plant. It is scheduled for delivery to Australia in 2015.

The manufacturing order for the C-27Js came through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales Joint Cargo Aircraft program.