First of four C-27J Spartans delivered to Peru

The Peruvian Air Force has taken delivery of the first of four C-27J Spartan military transports ordered under two contracts to Italy's Alenia Aermacchi.

The aircraft was formally delivered late last week at a military base in Las Palmas, Peru, during a ceremony attended by Peruvian and Italian military officials and government representatives.

"The C-27J has been selected thanks to is capability of operating safely and efficiently and at competitive costs in all operational scenarios of this Latin American country, including activities on semi-prepared airstrips of the Andes and of the many local airports, at high altitudes and with hot weather," Alenia Aermacchi said in announcing the delivery.

"The FAP will employ the C-27J as a strategic asset in passenger and cargo transport, humanitarian, fire-fighting, search and rescue and internal security missions."

The C-27J is a twin-engine, medium-size tactical transport with the engines and systems of the C-130J Super Hercules of Lockheed Martin. It has a payload of 25,353 pounds, a cruise speed of 362 miles per hour and a range of 1,151 miles while carrying 20,000 pounds.

Peru ordered two of the aircraft in 2013 and another two in 2014. Deliveries by Alenia Aermacchi will be completed in 2017.