C-27J decision still uncertain Published June 11, 2010 By Wayne Crenshaw 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The future of the newly opened C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft Schoolhouse at Robins is in doubt in the wake of a recent Air Force announcement, but the contractor for the project said the school isn't likely to leave anytime soon. The schoolhouse officially opened in December, but recently the Air Force announced its intention to move the training to one of the six bases where the C-27J Spartan will be stationed. L-3 Communications is the prime contractor for the project and is proceeding with plans to develop the school at Robins, including installation of flight simulators. Lance Martin, manager of public relations for L-3 Communications, said there are uncertainties surrounding the project, but based on current requirements, the training activities will likely continue here through 2013. "As the prime contractor delivering aircraft and training, we're not part of the basing decision so that's a matter for the Air Force to discuss," Martin said. "The training environment at Warner Robins - from the people to the facilities - continues to be superb. We're prepared to support the Air Force's ultimate decision." The schoolhouse is in the former B-1 bomber facilities at the Georgia Air National Guard. The C-27J is a small cargo aircraft designed to land and take off in short, undeveloped areas to deliver troops and cargo to remote areas and avoid risky convoys. The Department of Defense had originally planned to buy 78 aircraft but later cut it to 38. L-3 and Alenia North America have the contract to build the aircraft. A partnership with state and local governments will fund a $600,000 annex of the facility here which will house fuselage and cockpit simulators. L-3 is spending more than $40 million for the two simulators. L-3 also expects as it sells C-27Js to foreign military, Robins could be a hub for training of C-27J pilots throughout the world.