HI-LOW Airlifters mix?

Bulgaria Finalizes Order for 8 C-27J “Baby Hercs”
Posted 28-Feb-2006 08:41

Defence Industry Daily

Finmeccanica notes that a the C-27J Spartan (aka. “Baby Herc”), developed as a joint venture between its Alenia Aeronautica subsidiary and Lockheed Martin, has been finalized as Bulgaria’s choice to replace its current fleet of Antonov An-26 “Curl” airlifters. The Bulgarians want 8 C-27Js, which share significant commonalities with the C-130J Hercules that extend to most of their avionics and their engines as well as their look. The “Baby Hercs” will be used for troops and material transport within Bulgaria, and may also participate in NATO operations (Bulgaria has been a NATO member since April 2004) as they are fully compliant with civil and military interoperability standards. Contract negotiations are due to start shortly.

The C-27J has been ordered so far by the Air Forces of Italy (12) and of Greece (12, in a deal worth EUR 297 million). In the U.S. the aircraft is a candidate for the FCA (Future Cargo Aircraft) program to provide local airlift within theater, and Spartans are also being proposed as Canada’s new search-and-rescue aircraft. Finmeccanica notes that the C-27J is also under evaluation by Portugal, “other countries recently become NATO members,” plus Australia (to replace the fantastic but aged DH-4 Caribou), Ireland and Taiwan.

In most of these cases, the C-27J is competing with CASA’s C-295. Based on DID’s research, the key tradeoff is that CASA aircraft is more efficient per flight hour and also longer, which gives it the capacity for more standard pallets. On the other hand, the C-27J offers extensive Hercules compatibility, as well as internal dimensions and floor strength levels that let it carry smaller armored vehicles like an M113 or even a prepared OH-58C Kiowa helicopter internally.

DID link: http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/02/bulgaria-finalizes-order-for-8-c27j-baby-hercs/index.php

I think C-27J is going to have a great future! I ‘m steel not convinced though about the benefits of using a “Baby Hercules” instead of a real Hercules! Their price and their logistical costs aren’t so different. What you would prefer for your tactical Airlift command? A mix of C-130J/C-27J (or something analogous like C-295) or a “pure” C-130J fleet ?