C-27J Tactical Transport Aircraft: Ground Testing Experiences in a Partnership Programme

Alessandra Saroglia, System and Simulation Laboratory, Alenia Aeronautica, Torino, Italia
Maurizio Spinoni, System and Simulation Laboratory, Alenia Aeronautica, Torino, Italia

Abstract

The C-27J is the modern tactical transport aircraft that was designed and integrated as a result of the
partnership between Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A. in Italy and Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems in
the U.S.A.

C-27J systems were subjected to intensive test campaigns in several venues: laboratory on test rigs,
ground and flight on two prototype aircraft. This test activity brought to the demonstration of
compliance to applicable regulations and therefore to the release of Civil and Military Type
Certificates from the relevant Certification Authorities.

This paper addresses some cases of testing, relevant to different disciplines and venues, as an example
of how different scenarios were managed in the C-27J Program in terms of responsibility and
workshare between the Partners.

In particular, the following test activities are described:
• Ground Test of Avionics system for both Development and Certification phases;
• EMC/HIRF Certification;
• Internal and External Lighting Systems Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) Compatibility
Demonstration.