ATR MP tested as paratrooper drop platform
Leonardo has conducted testing of the suitability of its ATR MP maritime patrol aircraft to be used for paratrooper jump missions using a door installed at the rear of the cabin.
Carried out at the end of July, testing included launching paratroopers and dummies, plus demonstrating recovery procedures during an emergency.
The ATR MP can be quickly reconfigured to carry out different missions, while keeping the operating costs low and reliability high, according to Leonardo, adding that this is due to it deriving from the civil ATR 42/72-600 turboprop.
The heart of the mission suite is Leonardo's Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance system that manages the sensors onboard, combining the information gathered and presenting a data fusion picture to provide situational awareness to the operators.
The aircraft has an endurance of up to 10h, and can be equipped with a self-protection system.
The ATR MP is operated in various configurations by users including the Guardia di Finanza, Italian coast guard and Italian air force, as well as a number of export customers.
Mission sets include maritime patrol, search and identification of surface ships, search and rescue, monitoring and intervention of ecological disasters and the protection of territorial waters, plus the prevention of drug trafficking, piracy and smuggling.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
