I've actually read quite a bit on these two competing programs (C 295 vs C-27J).

 

It seems like a big sell point for the Spartan was that its cargo bay was wide enough for light tactical vehicles (principally, the Hummer), whereas the C 295 just wasn't quite wide enough.

It was the USAF what favored the C-27J (possibly/most likely, IMHO, because of commonality with several C-130 components), but the Army actually seems to have favored the C 295, as its hold would fit one more pallet (it's longer) than the C-27J.

 

Seeing as the program was originally intended to replace the US Army's C-23 Sherpa fleet, none of which haul around fully-intact tactical vehicles, I can understand Raytheon's gripe: is the Army getting a platform forced down its throat offering more than it really wanted or needed (subtley, on the grounds it primarily saves the USAF money because of its C-130 commonality)?

Because as far as US Army requirements, the ability to carry Humvees and other battle-ready tactical vehicles was never a primary request. All they wanted was an improved STOL hauler to replace everything the Sherpa was being used for (ammo, engines, spare parts, personnel, mail, etc). Now having a JCA that can carry numerous vehicles, the current request production queue may not be enough, if everybody suddenly decides to start flying around every truck and construction vehicle that can fit inside the C-27J.

 

What's interesting is, the US Coast Guard has been getting several HC 235 variants, the original version (shorter length fuselage) that the C 295 came from (even though the USCG had to get the USAF's official HC-144 designation...but the USAF really has no part in the program). So it surprises me then that the procurement deciders favored the C-27J on grounds of USAF commonalities, rather than recognizing, "Hey, the USCG is operating C 295-compatable HC-235s".

(even though I do realize the JCA fleet will operate out of more USAF installations than USCG bases.)

Initially, the USAF wanted no part of the Army's short-haul STOL program (nor as well as personnel/VIP transport in C-12s and C-26s)...until, again IMHO, they recognized the money to be had thru it (anyone care to wager the USAF will try cutting JCA funds and reallocating them elsewhere, or minimally they'll raise a fuss when USAF personnel and funds are being tasked to help maintain US Army aircraft?).

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link (FAS.Org C-23 entry)

 

  link (C-23 Sherpa: "The aircraft that can" in Iraq, from Military.Com)

 

link (C-27J entry at Airforce-Technology.Com)

 

link 295 entry at Airforce-Technology.Com)

 

link Defense Indusrty Daily, "Joint Cargo Aircraft: We Have a Winner".  Pretty much every other news group offers the same general info.)

 

link entry on the Guard-exclusive C-26 series)

 

link entry on the C-12 series)