The roar of a C-27J Spartan echoed through the sky over Bundaberg on Sunday as the Royal Australian Air Force performed touch and go exercises at Bundaberg Airport.
Also known as a baby Hercules, the C-27J Spartan had community member’s eyes to the sky as it staged a routine training operation over the Bundaberg Region.
The Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan has a wingspan of 28.7 metres.
It can reach maximum speeds of 670 km/h.
Much like the Hercules and Globemaster, the C-27J Spartan can airdrop cargo and paratroops in-flight, airlift a variety of cargo loads and conduct aeromedical evacuation of sick or wounded personnel.
The C-27J Spartan complements the Australian Defence Force's existing air mobility fleet.
According to the RAAF, the first Spartan arrived in Australia in 2015. The fleet of 10 aircraft are operated by No. 35 Squadron and based at RAAF Base Amberley.
RAAF states the C-27J Spartan’s capabilities bridge the gap between Army helicopters, such as the CH-47F Chinook, and larger Air Force aircraft, such as the C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster III.
The capabilities of the C-27J bridge the gap between Army helicopters and larger Air Force aircraft.
The Spartan can operate from unsurfaced airstrips, and support humanitarian missions in remote locations.
C-27J Spartan specifics
- Wingspan: 28.7 metres
- Weight: 30,500kg
- Max speed: 670km/h
- Capacity: 34 passengers, 21 stretcher patients, 5,000kg of cargo
