
A fully configured MC-27J multi-mission tactical transport aircraft completed its first flight from the Turin Test Flight Center of Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company.
The demonstrator aircraft, produced in partnership with ATK, was modified with an L-3 Wescam MX-15Di Electro-Optical and Infrared Turret that was mounted under the nose of the aircraft and is optimized for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions; and with Link-16 datalink software and hardware provisions that will prepare the aircraft for the ATK palletized mission system installation. Provisions for upgraded Selex ES communication system with crypto capability also have been set up.
The installation of both the ATK developed modular roll-on/roll-off mission and weapon system, and a modified side door for the GAU-23 30 mm cannon installation will be completed in May. In June 2014, a new series of flight tests, including firing the side-mounted cannon, will be completed.
The MC-27J, successfully completed a first phase of ground and flight tests in the spring of 2013. The series of tests were conducted by ATK and Alenia Aermacchi personnel at Eglin Air Force Base in the U.S. The tests demonstrated the C-27J’s ability to host a self-contained, roll-on/roll-of gun pallet (RORO) using ATK’s proven GAU-23 30mm cannon in a side firing configuration. Live fire tests and a timed demonstration of the capability to quickly transition from a cargo configuration to a weaponized configuration of the aircraft exceeded all test objectives.
Background Information
At Farnborough Air Show in 2012, ATK and Alenia Aermacchi announced their intent to jointly develop and market the MC-27J multi-mission aircraft using a phased approach. The MC-27J will provide customers with the ability to quickly go from a tactical cargo mission capability to a persistent multi-mission capability utilizing RORO pallets for the integrated mission system consoles, the GAU-23 cannon, and Precision Guided Munition weapon systems that enable C2/ISR architectures.
The MC-27J is based on the C-27J twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft currently on the market.
Source: Alenia Aermacchi
Latest from Aerospace Manufacturing and Design
- #61 - Manufacturing Matters: CMMC roll out: When do I need to comply?
- AIX shows aircraft interiors are a strategic priority for global airlines
- Machine Tool Builders Roundtable: Turn equipment into expertise
- No time to waste: How to machine MedTech parts more efficiently
- The 5 Best and Fastest Spindle Repair Services
- Mill smarter, not harder: How collaboration optimizes production
- Be proactive – stay ahead of tariffs and other economic and supply chain curveballs!
- Taiwan’s China Airlines orders Boeing 777X passenger, freighter jets