The Hon Darren Chester MP
12 Feb 16
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The Hon Darren Chester MP
Assistant Minister for Defence
Media contact
- Brie Colley (Mr Chester’s office) (02) 6277 4029
- James Cannon (Tribunal) 0433 884 238
- Defence Media (02) 6127 1999
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22 February 2015
Flight training is about to commence on Australia’s newest transport aircraft, the Alenia C-27 J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester has confirmed that over the coming weeks, RAAF aircrew will commence airborne training in Texas in United States.
“These pilots and loadmasters will go on to become our first qualified C-27J crew members,” Mr Chester said.
Mr Chester emphasised the contribution that the aircraft will make to tactical airlift in Australia and around the Asia Pacific region.
“The C-27J significantly improves the Australian Defence Force’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies. It can land at more airfields and provide disaster relief support in a range of environments,” Mr Chester said.
Ten C-27J Spartans will replace the retired DHC-4 Caribou, an Australian icon of the skies which flew for over 40 years.
The C-27J complements the capabilities of the current C-130J and C-17A aircraft and uses common C-130 infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and cargo handling systems.
The first RAAF C-27J is set to arrive in Australia in the middle of 2015.
Media contact:
Chloe Petch (Darren Chester’s Office) (02) 6277 4029
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999