By B.C. Kessner
ROME–Italy’s Finmeccanica recently said its Alenia North America subsidiary won a $287 million Air Force contract for 18 G222 tactical transport aircraft bound for the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC).
“Today’s announcement is yet another signal of our group’s growing strength in the U.S. market,” Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica, said. “It is a great honor for Finmeccanica to be entrusted with this responsibility and we are proud to support the U.S. Air Force in these critical efforts.”
According to the company, the Air Force determined that the G222’s capabilities would be vital to Afghanistan forces seeking to help achieve long-term stability.
The program currently includes 18 aircraft in a standardized operational configuration as well as the equipment to convert two aircraft into VIP transports. Alenia North America is managing the program while Alenia Aeronautica will refurbish the aircraft with systems and avionics upgrades in Naples, Italy.
Deliveries will start next year and continue through 2011.
Save for an electronic warfare variant, the Italian Air Force phased out the G222 in 2005. Alenia reclaimed the aircraft and through the refurbishment program has begun offering the venerable, but versatile, short take-off G222 to the international market.
The company said it has landed contracts with Nigeria in addition to the Afghan deal.
Alenia will provide the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan with the 18 medium tactical transports. The Air Force’s Combined Air Power Transition Force in Kabul will transfer these to the ANAAC.
Additionally, the program includes an initial spare parts inventory, ground support equipment, technical publications and contractor logistics support for a period of three years.
The G222 is known for its robust, rugged military design and its ability to operate in austere conditions from unprepared and short landing strips, Finmeccanica said. At least nine nations have bought the G222, including the U.S., where the Air Force flew the C-27A variant in the 1990s. The aircraft can deliver 10 tons of cargo, transport vehicles, and provide medical evacuation for 36 patients, the company added.
“Its ability to perform at high altitudes makes it a well-matched solution to satisfy Afghanistan’s medium transport aircraft requirement,” Finmeccanica said.
The emergence and standing of the Italian aerospace industry will always be closely tied to the G222, a source of great pride in the country. It is also considered ‘the father” of the C-27J, one of Alenia Aeronautica’s most successful programs.
Amidst the economic uncertainty in the U.S., Finmeccanica took the opportunity to show support for one of its most important customers.
“This announcement, combined with our growing investments in the U.S.A., further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to the U.S. market,” Guarguaglini said.