C-27As for the Afghan Air Force

C-27As for the Afghan Air Force
01-Oct-2009 12:00 EDT

The Afghanistan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) is just getting to its feet, with about 6 flyable AN-32s and a pair of AN-26 light transport aircraft, about 38 Mi-17 assault transports and Mi-35 attack helicopters combined, and a small fleet of L-39 trainer/ light attack aircraft. Many of its pilots are older men, and ANAAC has not graduated a new pilot since 1992.

An 8-year plan has been drawn up to begin training a new crop of pilots, and expand the air force. The ultimate goal is a force that can support the Afghan Army against al-Qaeda/ Taliban elements that launch raids within the country, or from across the border with Pakistan. Given Afghanistan’s rugged terrain and sparse infrastructure, however, a decision has been made to make tactical transportation of troops and supplies ANACC’s top priority. This explains US NAVAIR’s efforts to secure the Ukrainian AN-32s, which offered familiar technology even though the spares situation is less than ideal.

Now a 3-way deal has been made involving Italy, which will send some of its Alenia G.222 (C-27A) light transports to Afghanistan, after a refurbishment program conducted by Alenia North America. The latest updates include the roll-out of the first refurbished aircraft, and an adjustment contract…

The ANAAC’s C-27A Program

The Afghan program currently includes 18 aircraft in a standardized operational configuration, as well as the modules to convert 2 aircraft to a VIP Transport configuration if required.

The USAF has operated C-27As in the past, but Afghan aircraft are all former Italian Air Force machines built from 1977 – 1985 to different production standards, which Alenia Aeronautica bought back at the time of Italy’s C-27J purchase. Because of the different configurations, the contract stipulates that all aircraft be brought to common avionics and systems configuration, including a new autopilot and ballistic protection.

The G.222/C-27A was not known as an easy aircraft to maintain, but it does feature outstanding short runway performance, and offers proven performance in hot weather and high altitudes. The spares and maintenance issue is being addressed through the program via extensive training through the US military, an initial spare parts inventory, ground support equipment, technical publications in English and Dari, and 3 years worth of contractor logistics support.

Read more about the C-27.