Aircraft

Italy's defence ministry has ordered four ATR 72 maritime patrol aircraft from Alenia Aeronautica, with deliveries scheduled to commence to the nation's air force in 2012.

To be equipped with Selex Galileo's ATOS mission system, which includes a Seaspray maritime search radar, electro-optical multi-sensor turret and datalink, the new aircraft will be flown by mixed crews from the air force and the Italian navy, says Alenia.

The new type will augment the Italian air force's current maritime patrol aircraft inventory, which according to Flight's MiliCAS database comprises 16 Dassault-Breguet ATL-1 Atlantics.

Alenia Aeronautica has previously delivered seven modified ATR 42s to the Italian customs agency and coastguard for maritime patrol duties. The Turkish navy was its lone previous customer for the special-mission ATR 72, having signed for 10 anti-submarine warfare aircraft (artist's impression below). The ATR 72MP is also currently on offer to additional potential operators including Greece and the United Arab Emirates.

© Alenia Aeronautica