C-27J Spartan

Bulgaria will purchase 8 C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft. This news follows decisions by a number of countries to purchase the C-27J, often described as a smaller and shorter-range cousin to the C-130 Hercules aircraft that shares extensive commonality with its larger sibling (the Bulgarian news article is in error concerning the aircraft’s cargo capacity; it is significantly smaller than the C-130, but the C-27J can accommodate Hercules load pallets). Though no prices were given, fly-away estimates for the C-27J range from USD $20-27.5 million each. In addition, Canada is slated to buy 15 C-27Js, Greece 12, Portugal 10, and the Czech Republic 4. Other countries are also reportedly evaluating the aircraft.

The primary roles of the C-27J are cargo transport, troop transport and material and paratroop air drop. Other missions include maritime patrol, tactical operations, medical evacuation, ground refuelling, fire-fighting and aerial spraying. It is made by Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS), a joint venture company set up by Lockheed Martin and Finmeccanica subsidiary Alenia Aeronautica.