By Air Force Staff Sgt. Beth Del Vecchio
Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – A $287M contract was awarded through the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan for 18 C-27A tactical transport aircraft to be supplied to the Afghan national army air corps.
The first of the aircraft will be delivered in September of 2009 and deliveries will continue through 2011.
"The C-27A is a great match for Afghanistan's mobility and transport needs," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Walter Givhan, CSTC-A Combined Air Power Transition Force commanding general. "It's a rugged aircraft that operates well at high altitude and can deliver ten tons of cargo, transport vehicles and passengers, and provide medical evacuation for up to 36 patients."
According to CAPTF, the Afghan Air Corps is an indispensable form of military power in the counterinsurgency because of the vast distances in Afghanistan, the lack of good roads or railroads, and the forbidding terrain that covers much of the country. Air is the fastest and most effective form of mobility on the battlefield and is in high demand by Afghan military leadership.
"Nine months ago, our NATO allies flew 90 percent of the missions in support of the Afghans," Givhan said. "Today, the Afghans fly 90 percent of their own missions as a result of the development of the Air Corps."
The C-27A is a twin turboprop engine aircraft designed to meet requirements for a rugged, air-land transport. The aircraft is particularly suited for short-to-medium-range tactical operations into shorter, semi-prepared airfields. The C-27A is an all-weather, day/night transport with capabilities to perform medical evacuation missions.