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| RAAF C-27J Spartan preparing for test flights (File Photo) |
RAAF Base Amberley has been confirmed as the future operating base for No. 35 Squadron and its eventual fleet of 10 C-27J battlefield airlifters.
The first C-27J aircraft are initially planned for RAAF Base Richmond when they begin to arrive in Australia in early 2015, where the re-established 35SQN will utilise existing facilities.
Subject to government and parliamentary approvals, new facilities and supporting infrastructure will be constructed at RAAF Base Amberley to permanently host the squadron.
Director Battlefield Airlift Transition Office GPCAPT Steven Young said there were numerous benefits in basing the C-27J fleet at Amberley.
“In light of contemporary circumstances, including Army’s Plan Beersheba, Amberley is the most flexible and efficient basing option to support the full range of C-27J customers,” GPCAPT Young said.
“Having the main operating base at Amberley will also improve responsiveness for major deployments through co-location with the C-17 capability.” Opportunities will be made available for personnel to transfer to other aircraft types at a number of locations including Richmond before 35SQN’s relocation to Amberley, and will be closely managed.
RAAF Base Richmond will remain home to the C-130J Hercules. Many Richmond-based personnel previously employed on the C-130H, which was retired in late 2012, have been transferred to 35SQN at Richmond to prepare for the arrival of the C-27J.
The C-27J will provide a combination of load capacity, speed, range, and airfield accessibility not possible using any other in-service or alternative aircraft. The capability delivered by the C-27J will greatly enhance accessibility both in the battlefield and for regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
C-27J aircrew and technician training will begin in the US in late 2014.
Full operational capability of the C-27J is planned for December 2017 after the squadron has completed its move to Amberley.