The Coast Guard is integrating 14 C-27Js into its medium range surveillance aircraft fleet, along with its HC-144 Ocean Sentries, to perform drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response, and search and rescue missions. Following missionization, the aircraft’s range, endurance, speed and payload will make it a valuable asset in addressing the Coast Guard’s maritime flight-hour gap.
Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, 13 C-27J aircraft were regenerated from a preserved status at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. A 14th aircraft was transferred to the Coast Guard after formal acceptance by the Air Force in April 2017.
As delivered, the C-27Js are outfitted with weather radar and communications equipment capable of supporting transport and other Coast Guard missions. The Coast Guard is working with Naval Air Systems Command to determine which additional specialized equipment should be installed to enhance and expand the aircraft’s capabilities. The C-27J missionization package is based on the Minotaur mission system architecture that the Coast Guard is implementing across the rest of its fixed-wing fleet. The first Spartan entered the mission system integration process at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, in September 2017.
The HC-27J Asset Project Office (APO), at Elizabeth City, North Carolina, oversaw the aircraft regeneration process and is assisting with missionization as well as conducting many of the acquisition duties, including development of Coast Guard-specific crew duties, procedures, technical manuals, curricula, and test and evaluation reporting.
Air Station Sacramento, California, is the first operational unit using C-27Js and began operating with its full complement of aircraft after delivery of its sixth Spartan May 1, 2017. Seven aircraft are stationed at the APO.
Characteristics
- Length: 74 feet 6 inches
- Wingspan: 94 feet 2 inches
- Height: 31 feet 8 inches
- Maximum Weight: 70,000 pounds
- Cruise Speed: 290 knots true airspeed
- Range: 2,675 nautical miles
- Endurance: 12 hours
Features
- Standardized Minotaur mission system across all Coast Guard fixed-wing aircraft (under development)
- Military communications
- Multimode radar
- Large search windows
- Night vision goggle capabilities