Aircraft

By Luca Peruzzi in Genoa

The first production C-27J Spartan for the Italian air force completed company verification flight tests last week after Alenia Aeronautica was awarded military type certification for the tactical airlifter. The aircraft has begun air force acceptance trials, and the first aircraft is expected to be delivered next month. The remaining 11 will be delivered by early 2008. The Greek air force has received three aircraft from its order for 12, Lithuania is to receive its first of three by year-end, and the Bulgarian air force is expected to accept its first of five C-27Js in September 2007. Paolo Pozzessere, senior vice-president for international sales, says Alenia has responded to requests for information from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Slovenia.