The Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules airlifter and the new C-27J Spartan tactical transport were brought together for the first time at Farnborough 2000, the biennial international air show now going on outside London.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000727/ATTH034 )

The C-27J crew's flight demonstration opened the show this past Sunday with a short-field takeoff, high and low speed low altitude passes in front of the crowd, turns with various flap configurations, and a short-field landing.

The C-27J, manufactured jointly by Alenia Aerospazio and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, is based on the proven G.222 design and features the propulsion system and avionics developed for its "big brother," the C-130J. The C-130J, now in service with the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, U.S. Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command, was also put through its paces with a flight demonstration that included a max effort takeoff.

Several thousand government officials, industry executives, and worldwide media representatives are in attendance at the air show, which continues through July 30.

The enclosed photograph shows one of the two C-27J Spartan (front) test aircraft with a Royal Air Force C-130J-30 (rear) prior to the start of the flying demonstrations at the show.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin