MT, ID finalists to land transport planes

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GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — The Air Force has named the Air National Guard in both Montana and Idaho as finalists to land a new rugged, medium-sized transport plane.

MANG in Great Falls and the Idaho Air National Guard in Boise were selected as candidate bases to operate the C-27J Spartan.

The Air Force said the aircraft, which has a twin turboprop engine, is designed to "give U.S. troops a unique, short takeoff and landing capacity." The aircraft will provide military troops access to airstrips that other fixed-wings planes couldn't use.

Air Force spokesman Gary Strasberg says a decision is expected this fall, after the Air Force conducts site surveys at the bases. There will be three operational squadrons for the C-27J, with a total of 12 aircraft and 270 military personnel.

It has not been determined if all three squadrons will be placed at a single base.

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Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com

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