ATR72 Maritime Aircraft Ordered

Alenia Aeronautica said it reached agreement with the Aeronautical Armaments directorate of the Italian Defense Ministry for the supply of four ATR72 Maritime Patrol aircraft.

The ATR72MP, a derivative of the ATR72 regional turboprop, will be equipped with the Selex Galileo ATOS mission system, integrating the Seaspray electronic-scan surveillance radar and EOST electro-optical multi-sensor turret for identifying boats and persons in all weather conditions. The aircraft also will be equipped with a data link system to transmit information in real time to ground command and control centers and other platforms.

The medium-range, twin-engine aircraft will be delivered to the Italian Air Force beginning in 2012, to be used for the maritime patrol using mixed crews with the Italian Navy.