Leonardo-Finmeccanica has delivered the first two ATR 72MPs to the Italian Air Force, the maritime patrol vessel named P-72A which will replace the obsolete Breguet Atlantic.
Mauro Moretti, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo-Finmeccanica stated: "Safety and environmental protection are crucial elements for the economy of our country. Much of international trade passes through our coasts, but also illegal trafficking and migration flows. To protect this heritage and protect national security, we have developed the ATR 72MP, an aircraft, equipped with the most modern security and surveillance systems implemented by Leonardo-Finmeccanica".
The contract signed, in the latest version, in the 2014 provides in addition to the supply of 4 ATR 72MP, whose deliveries will be completed during the 2017, also the provision of logistic support services.
The aircraft, developed and produced by Leonardo-Finmeccanica starting from the platform of the modern regional turboprop aircraft ATR 72-600, can perform the roles of maritime patrol of research and identification of surface ships, SAR missions (search and rescue), fight against drug trafficking , piracy, smuggling, monitoring and intervention in the event of ecological disasters and in the protection of territorial waters. It is equipped with latest generation communication systems and can transmit and receive information in real time with the command and control centers on the ground or on platforms, both in flight and on the sea, for the coordination and maximum effectiveness of operations.
The aircraft will also be equipped with a self-protection system integrated with the on-board avionics. The aircraft will be able to carry out missions six and a half hours long at 200 nautical miles from the starting base.
