The Italian Coast Guard adds an ATR42 Maritime Patrol to its fleet

• Based on the ATR42-600 commercial aircraft, the ATR42 MP represents the latest evolution of the maritime patrol aircraft family
• This version is equipped with the most advanced surveillance and communication systems integrated by Leonardo

Leonardo has signed a contract with the General Command of the Port Authorities - Coast Guard for the supply of an ATR42-600 Maritime Patrol (MP) aircraft. The acquisition forms part of the General Command’s plan for renewal of its fleet of aircraft, which already includes three MPs based on the ATR 42-400 and the ATR 42-500. 

The ATR 42 MP, developed and produced on the basis of the ATR 42-600 turboprop regional aircraft platform, is an aircraft perfectly expressing Leonardo’s capabilities in terms of both platform and systems. The aircraft is equipped with multi-domain sensors and state-of-the-art research and communication systems, and is capable of transmitting and receiving information in real time, thereby optimising operations along the entire chain of command. 

The ATR42 MP will be integrated into the Corps’ aeronautical fleet to fulfil the multiple roles assigned to the Coast Guard, including maritime patrolling all along Italy’s coastline and in international waters, carried out with the aid of the advanced technological equipment integrated into its fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

Already in service with versions specially designed for other Italian government operators, the aircraft is equipped with Leonardo’s ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) modular mission system. ATOS manages the vast spectrum of aircraft sensors, combining the information received in a comprehensive tactical situation and presenting the results to operators in the most appropriate format to offer an excellent and constantly updated scenario of the situation, also in complex operations. 

The aircraft integrates the reliability, maintainability, low life cycle cost and comfort of the ATR 42-600 from which it derives, while offering the crew a level of ergonomics that increases its efficiency and effectiveness during maritime patrol, search and identification, and SAR (search and rescue) missions, in the fight against drug trafficking, piracy and smuggling, and in the protection of territorial waters: missions that typically last more than 8 hours.