In service for more than ten years in the Italian Air Force, the C-27J SPARTAN has shown, in the various operating theaters, a high flexibility of use.
The only perplexity concerns the too small number of acquired aircraft (12, of which the last delivered in 2009), which does not allow extensive use. More 6 / 8 SPARTAN would be needed, also to make the best use of the flying gunship version, called PRAETORIAN.
Operating already from the 2015, and equipped with an ATK piece from 30 mm, the MC-27J PRAETORIAN could see further implemented its capabilities through the use of guided armament. In fact the new GBU-69 / B SGM light bombs (Small Glide Munition), which have a nominal weight of only 23 kg, could be mounted; or the larger GBU-38 / B JDAM with GPS guidance from 253 kg.
With such an armament, the PRAETORIAN would turn into a true attack vector, thanks to the excellent stol ability and maneuverability of the aircraft, allowing the Italian Air Force to increase its ability to attack in depth as well as intervention in support of land forces.
Also read: "The flying (and invisible) cannoniera of the Italian Military Air Force"
(photo: Leonardo)
