New AC-27J gunship moves forward

New funding to launch a gunship variant of the L-3 Communications/Alenia C-27J Spartan joint cargo aircraft (JCA) is now being finalized in the US military's budgeting process, L-3 confirms. The AC-27J would serve as a complementary asset for the Air Force Special Operations Command's existing fleet of heavier AC-130 gunships. A formal requirements document is being developed and "funding profiles are also being finalized and being worked through the acquisition process", L-3 says.