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Guardsmen with the Connecticut Air National Guard get a look at the C-27J Spartan, October 22, 2010.

Air National Guard to get new planes

Updated: Friday, 22 Oct 2010, 12:44 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 22 Oct 2010, 12:14 PM EDT

East Granby, Conn. (WTNH) - Connecticut's Air National Guard got a peek at a military aircraft that will soon be maintained in the state.

The C-27J Spartan is a bit different than the A-10s the Guard is used to.

"It's a big step for us here at the Connecticut Air National Guard. We needed something that would keep us relevant and this is what the Air Force decided to give us," said Col. Frank Detorie.

The C-27J is designed to be flexible for many kinds of military missions. It carries cargo, medical equipment, vehicles, and of course, guardsmen. They're eager to put the Spartan in the air.

"The Air National Guard specifically lost a lot of tactical airlift over the last 10 years. This is going to add a lot of capability to the effort," said Maj. Steve Gwinn.

Four of the Spartans will be coming in 2013.

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