Inside the RAAF: A different beast

The C-27J is not a straight replacement for the RAAF’s much-loved Caribou, but
nor is it a mini Hercules. With all 10 aircraft now in the fleet, Australian Aviation
visited 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond to learn more about the growing
maturity of the ADF’s newest airlift asset

It is now three years since the first of 10 Leonardo/L3 C-27J Spartans entered service with the RAAF’s 35 Squadron at Richmond.

Since then, the unit has been building its fleet and personnel cadre, and has conducted operations in Papua New Guinea, and taken part in major exercises in New Caledonia, Guam, New Zealand and in Australia.