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Slovak military orders C-27J Spartans

Aircraft manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi reports it has been contracted to provide C-27J transports to Slovakia.

By Richard Tomkins
A C-27J flown by the Lithuanian military. Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense
A C-27J flown by the Lithuanian military. Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense

TURIN, Italy, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Alenia Aermacchi is supplying two C-27J transport aircraft to the Slovak Air Force as part of the country's military modernization program.

The contract for the medium-sized, turboprop airlifters was signed earlier this week with the Slovac Defense Ministry.

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Alenia Aermacchi, based in Italy, said the contract includes provision of initial logistic support and pilot and maintenance personnel training but gave no details as to the value of the award or the delivery schedule for the aircraft.

The C-27J Spartan, which first went into service with the Italian Air Force in 2006, can carry more than 25,000 pounds of payload. As a troop carrier, it can carry 60 soldiers. Its maximum speed is 374 mph.

The contract represents the conclusion of the bid issued by the Slovak Defence Ministry and that Alenia Aermacchi had won in 2008 when the C-27J had been selected.

"Alenia Aermacchi deems that the Slovak Defence Ministry's choice is the demonstration that, when the requirement is for performances and capabilities that only a true military transport aircraft can meet, the C-27J is the only excellent cost-effective solution," the company said.

Eleven countries, excluding Slovakia, fly or have ordered the aircraft.

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