The U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force have selected a team led by L-3 Communications to build the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA). Also on the team are Alenia North America, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems and Global Military Aircraft Systems. The C-27J is a mid-range, multifunctional and interoperable aircraft, able to perform logistical resupply, MEDEVAC, as well as troop movement.

The C-27J will replace the U.S. Army's C-23 Sherpas, C-12 and C-26 aircraft and augment the U.S. Air Forces' existing fleet of intra-theater airlifters.

The design of the C-27J is based on the proven G-222 airframe from Alenia, with turboprop engines from Allison and advanced systems from Lockheed Martin. The C-27J Spartan has the same logistical and maintenance characteristics as the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules medium tactical airlifter, and also shares commonality of the cargo capacity. The two-pilot cockpit is night vision goggles compatible and the flight deck is similar to that of the C-130J Hercules. The Spartan is constructed with a floor strength equal to that of a Hercules transporter and the large cargo cabin cross-section is able to accommodate Hercules pallets without modification. High mobility medium wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), AML-90, Perentie 6x6 armored vehicle, M113 armored personnel carrier and similar military vehicles can be driven on and off the C-27J over a hydraulically operated, rear-loading ramp. The aircraft is constructed to offload vehicles quickly while taking fire.

The C-27J is the latest in a tradition of military airlifters including the C-27A Spartan and the G-222 that have been deployed by the United States, NATO, the United Nations and Italy in support of military and humanitarian operations. C-27A Spartans currently carry out counter-drug activities for the United States in Central and South America.

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