14:44 GMT, October 13, 2009 The third C-27J „Spartan" out of three purchased by the Lithuanian Armed Forces landed in LAF Šiauliai Military Airport, October 12. Lithuania signed a contract on procurement of three tactical transport aircrafts C-27J „Spartan" with Italian enterprise „Alenia Aeronautika S.p.A." in June 2006.

The first C-27J „Spartan" reached Lithuania in the end of 2006, the second - in the beginning of December last year.

The contract values to 75 million Euros (spare parts, logistics equipment, installations for VIP cabin, training for pilots and maintenance personnel included).

Name will be bestowed on the third C-27J „Spartan" like on its predecessors Gediminas and Algirdas, and commissioning ceremony will be held in the shortest while.

„Spartans" are used for transportation and landing of troops, VIP and cargo, medical evacuation, etc. The aircraft can takeoff from a surface of less than 500 metres, and one refuelling in a transitional airport for flight to Afghanistan where Lithuania is operating a PRT.


Technical characteristics and exploitation detail:

• Manufacturer: Alenia Aeronautica, Italy
• Length: 22,7 m
• Wingspan: 28,7 m
• Height: 9,6 m
• Engines: 2 x Rolls Royce/Allison AE 2100 D2 (4637 AG)
• Max. takeoff weight: 30500 kg
• Payload: 11500 kg
• Max. passenger quantity: 50
• Ferry range: 5925 km
• Cruise speed: 500 km/h
• Service ceiling: 9150 m
• Crew: 3

Primary users of C-27J „Spartan" are Bulgaria, Greek, Italy, the US, Lithuania, and Romania.


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