Graham Warwick / Washington DC
Additional reporting by Helen Massy-Beresford
Finmeccanica subsidiary Alenia Aeronautica is poised to sign an agreement with Aero Vodochody to transfer centre wingbox production for the C-27J military airlifter to the Czech manufacturer. A final contract based on the supply of 350 wingboxes worth $200 million is expected to be signed at the end of May.
But there has been a setback in the largest potential market for the C-27J, with a key Congressional subcommittee slashing fiscal year 2007 funding for the new Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) programme to acquire up to 150 light transports for the US Army and US Air Force.
Chaired by influential senator John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee cut almost all funding from the army’s request for JCA, saying the USAF was not ready to buy it. The army has an urgent requirement to begin replacing its Shorts C-23 Sherpa intra-theatre transports in 2008, but the air force does not need aircraft before 2010 and has not finalised its requirements.
Funding is expected to be restored, but at the expense of other army programmes. Meanwhile, Alenia teamed with L-3 Communications and Boeing on the C-27J, and EADS Casa teamed with Raytheon on the CN-235 and C-295, are gearing up to compete for JCA. Lockheed Martin will also bid, offering a short-body C-130J. Proposals will be submitted early next month.
Alenia’s tie-up with Aero is among moves to bring down the cost of the C-27J, which would be assembled in the USA if the L-3-led team wins JCA. “Aero Vodochody’s participation in the C-27J programme will include responsibility for the equipment installed and final tests, in addition to the centre wingbox’s production,” says Alenia.
The Czech manufacturer will also contribute to improving production processes and possible modifications to wingboxes. The partnership will also market the aircraft. The Czech air force is evaluating the C-27J for applications including transport support for peace-keeping missions.
State-owned Aero, in which Boeing held a stake for a number of years before pulling out in 2004, is awaiting the next stage in its privatisation process. Six bidders have proceeded to the second round of bids for a majority stake, but the next stage, in which they will reveal the price they are willing to pay, has been delayed until July.
Source: Flight International
