16:23 GMT, October 27, 2009 WASHINGTON | Alenia North America, a subsidiary of Alenia Aeronautica – a Finmeccanica Company - has been awarded a contract worth approximately $7 million by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to perform C-27/G.222 aircrew and maintenance training for U.S. Air Advisors to the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC). The contract is for a year of training classes. The initial classes of Air Advisors have completed or are nearing the completion of their courses.

The training for pilots, loadmasters, crew chiefs, and maintenance personnel is anticipated to be between 15 and 40 days in duration, depending on the duties. The training includes classroom academics, practical training, and flight training. It is being conducted at the Alenia Aeronautica facility in Capodichino, Italy.

The first and second refurbished and modernized C-27/G.222 aircraft were delivered to the USAF earlier this fall. Deliveries will continue through 2011.

Designed as a true military airlift, the C-27/G.222 is capable of taking off and landing in almost any operating condition. Proven as a dependable and robust aircraft, the C-27/G.222 can operate successfully even in harsh and austere environments. The C-27/G.222 has been a critical capability in numerous missions including humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, fire fighting, medical evacuation, troop transport, and logistical support.

About the C-27/G.222 ANAAC Program

In 2008 Alenia North America was awarded a contract by the United States Air Force to supply 18 refurbished C-27/G.222 aircraft for the Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC). The 18 refurbished aircraft will be used by the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. They will be transferred by the Combined Air Power Transition Force in Kabul to the reconstructed ANAAC. The C-27/G.222 will serve as the back bone of the ANAAC and aid significantly through expanding its capability to provide humanitarian aid and security to the Afghan population throughout the country.

Alenia North America, as prime contractor, is responsible for program management while the aircraft are being refurbished and modernized by its parent company Alenia Aeronautica in its Capodichino facility near Naples, Italy. Logistical support in Afghanistan will be carried out by L-3 Vertex Aerospace.


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