Cargueros C-27J Spartan de la RAAF hacen notar su presencia

Capability of RAAF C-27J Spartan Put on Notice

RAAF operated 10 C-27J Spartan airlifter (photo : hawkesburygazette)

RAAF plane under review because it can't fly into battle

The acquisition of the C-27J Spartan aircraft – which has suffered months of delays – has been added to a Defence Department watchlist because of problems with its design.

The RAAF bought the Italian-built plane as a replacement for the Caribou. It fits in between the Chinook helicopter and larger Hercules and C-17 cargo aircraft for carrying troops and equipment. It has the short take-off and landing ability needed for battlefield airlift.

Ten aircraft have been delivered and final operational capability was meant to be declared last December.

Electronic self-protection system

But RAAF officials have admitted this milestone would not be met until December this year at the earliest because the aircraft's electronic self-protection system, which is designed to keep it safe when under fire, does not meet required standards.

"The C-27J program has been challenging and ... there have been significant delays in terms of achieving the capability outcomes that were originally determined," Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts told Parliament's public works committee earlier this month.

Under questioning from Labor's assistant defence spokesman Pat Conroy, Air Vice-Marshal Roberts agreed that the C-27J would not be able to fly into all types of battle zones.

But she said it had made a useful contribution to bushfire relief efforts.

Financial Review