Remarks: Top-side view of Italy Air Force C-27J Spartan CSX62219 (Code RS-50), taken at the Avalon International Airshow on Friday 04Mar2011. The Spartan cargo/ transport aircraft performed aerobatics in overcast conditions before sunset. Grey livery and grey skies - again! (Note extended spoiler on the Port wing, and AAR probe and plumbing on the forward fuselage). The pilot performed loops, barrell rolls and steeply banked passes during the display. Maybe he was a frustrated Fighter Pilot! The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will take delivery of the first of 10 C-27J Spartan ‘Battlefield Airlifters’ in 2015. (A Caribou replacement at last! They were Retired in Sep 2009.) The Spartans will be operated by 35 Squadron from RAAF Base Richmond. 38 Squadron’s King Airs at Townsville will be retained, but the remaining 37 Squadron C-130Hs will be retired early, in late 2012.
