Aircraft
New Armed MC-27J Spartan Is Safe For Expanded Roles

Alenia Aermacchi is unveiling a new armed version of the C-27J Spartan military transport here at the Farnborough International Airshow. The new MC-27J model will feature an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) package, as well as fire-control equipment and an LW30mm link-fed gun.

The Spartan has served in Afghanistan as part as the inter-theater air-lift system, taking off and landing from short unprepared strips to transport troops, resupplying forward operating bases, and sometimes air dropping supply pallets when landing was impossible or too dangerous. The option to take an armed version of the twin turboprop could greatly enhance its possible roles in war zones.