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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership
RFA Stirling Castle, a 6,000-tonne vessel, will start operations later this year.
-
Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has only so far confirmed that discussions have been taking place with BAE Systems, but a decision has yet to be made, according to The Telegraph.
-
Royal Navy to receive DragonFire laser system
The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) made the decision to accelerate the laser programme from the demonstrational stage to an operational laser weapon.
-
Royal Navy’s new Dreadnought SSBNs to be equipped with OSI’s ECPINS
The contracts between OSI Maritime Systems (OSI) and BAE Systems Submarines will encompass continued support for the Astute-class nuclear-powered submarines (SSN) and the future Dreadnought-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN).