Leonardo has taken a significant step in advancing Italy’s maritime patrol operations by signing a contract with the General Command of the Port Authorities – Coast Guard for the supply of an ATR42-600 Maritime Patrol (MP) aircraft. This new addition, part of the Italian Coast Guard’s fleet renewal plan, is set to enhance Italy’s aerial surveillance and maritime security along the coastline and in international waters.
The ATR42 MP is based on the ATR42-600 turboprop, a regional aircraft platform that combines efficiency with advanced technological capabilities. Tailored for maritime patrol, this model is equipped with Leonardo’s state-of-the-art surveillance and communication systems, positioning it as one of the most sophisticated patrol aircraft on the market. This aircraft represents the latest evolution in Leonardo’s maritime patrol aircraft lineup and reflects the company’s commitment to innovation in both platform design and integrated systems.
Key Features of the ATR42 MP
The ATR42 MP boasts an impressive array of multi-domain sensors and communication tools that enable real-time information transmission across the command chain. This real-time capability is crucial for quick decision-making, allowing the Coast Guard to respond effectively to emerging situations and to coordinate closely with other units. Additionally, the aircraft integrates Leonardo’s ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) modular mission system, which manages a broad range of sensors to produce a comprehensive, dynamic tactical picture for operators. This modular system allows the Coast Guard to visualize mission-critical data effectively, offering a full situational awareness for operators engaged in complex patrol missions.
Enhancing Italy’s Coastal Security and Mission Capabilities
The integration of the ATR42 MP into the Italian Coast Guard’s aeronautical fleet will be instrumental in supporting a variety of crucial missions, including search and rescue (SAR), maritime surveillance, drug trafficking and smuggling control, and the protection of territorial waters. With an operational range exceeding eight hours, this aircraft is well-suited for extended missions requiring continuous surveillance, search, and identification capabilities.
In addition to the advanced mission systems, the ATR42 MP also benefits from the renowned reliability, maintainability, and low life-cycle costs associated with the ATR42-600 model. This design ensures that the aircraft is efficient to operate over the long term while also providing superior ergonomics and comfort for the crew, essential for long-duration patrols.
Meeting the Demands of Modern Maritime Patrol
With three ATR42 MPs already in service within the fleet, based on earlier models ATR42-400 and ATR42-500, this addition represents a major upgrade. Leonardo’s new ATR42 MP brings cutting-edge technology that meets the evolving demands of modern maritime patrol missions, offering capabilities that ensure quick response and enhanced situational awareness in complex operational environments.
This aircraft will allow the Italian Coast Guard to not only expand its operational range but also perform its roles with greater accuracy, effectiveness, and efficiency. As security challenges on the seas evolve, the integration of advanced technology within maritime patrol fleets becomes ever more critical, and Leonardo’s ATR42 MP is set to play a pivotal role in this endeavor.
By investing in the ATR42 MP, the Italian Coast Guard is bolstering its capabilities to safeguard national and international waters, ensuring enhanced protection for Italy’s extensive coastlines and strengthening overall maritime security in the region
