Leonardo has announced the entry into service at the African Navy of two King Air 350ERs in Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) configuration. The delivery was made by Leonardo as head of contract and integrator of the on-board systems. The aircraft are equipped with Leonardo's ATOS mission system and a full suite of sensors, including Seaspray electronic scanning surveillance radar. The two King Air 350ERs will be used for various missions, including search and rescue, coast security, monitoring of illegal immigration, fishing and pollution.
As prime contractor, Leonardo integrated all the required systems and delivered a mission-ready aircraft, suitable for flight and certified by EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency. This business model is an important growth area that leverages the company's skills on sensors, mission systems and integration capabilities, which allow it to offer, at competitive costs, custom-made aircraft ready to be used. Other types of services are also offered which provide for the updating of aircraft with new advanced sensors, entirely managed by the ATOS mission system.
The sensor suite on board the two King Air 350ER marine patrol planes includes the Seaspray, the market-leading electronic scanning radar for surveillance at sea, with a wide range of modes including a patented small target detection function. Together with ATOS, a system capable of merging data creating a tactical image that lightens the operators' work, the transponder and the interrogator IFF (Identification Friend or Foe), the Link 11 datalink and an electro-optical turret have also been integrated. .
Leonardo is also finding interest in its “surveillance ready” offer model from customers in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East area. The demand for integrated and customized capacities is expected to increase. The adaptability of the platforms and sensors is also ensured by Leonardo's expertise in managing end-to-end processes and by the flexibility of the ATOS system.
ATOS is already operational on board over 10 different types of aircraft, with over 60 systems installed on different platforms including ATR 42 (72) MP, DA-62 MSA, Dash-8, Beechcraft KA350, Casa CN235, Piaggio Aero P166, A 109, AW139, AW169, Bell 412 and AS300B3.
