Fully configured MC-27J multi-mission tactical transport aircraft completes first flight

Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, in partnership with ATK, announced that the demonstrator of a fully configured MC-27J multi-mission tactical transport aircraft completed its first flight from the company’s Turin Test Flight Centre. The demonstrator aircraft was modified with an L-3 Wescam MX-15Di Electro-Optical and Infrared Turret that was mounted under the nose of the aircraft and is optimized for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and SAR missions (Search and Rescue); and with Link-16 datalink software and hardware provisions that will prepare the aircraft for the ATK palletized mission system installation. Provisions for upgraded Selex ES communication system with crypto capability have been also set up. The installation of both the ATK developed modular roll-on/roll-off mission and weapon system, and a modified side door for the GAU-23 30 mm cannon installation will be completed in May. In June 2014, a new series of flight tests, including firing the side-mounted cannon, will be completed.