Alenia Aeronautica: ATR 72MP, the evolutionary patrol
Alenia Aeronautica has developed the ATR 72MP, Maritime Patrol, a new version of the ATR 72–600
platform, currently under test by the ATR, the Italian-French consortium.
The ATR 72MP is an enlarged version of the ATR 42MP, a maritime patrol aircraft developed by Alenia
Aeronautica, with longer range and more capabilities thanks to the stretched fuselage.
The ATR 72MP, like its smaller predecessor but with better performances, permits to carry out with
extremely low operational costs all maritime patrol roles: search and identification of surface ships, SAR
missions; fight against drug traffic; piracy; smuggling; environment protection and EEZ patrol.
The ATR 72MP can also implement crew, paratroopers and cargo transport, humanitarian and health
evacuation. With appropriate changes in the configuration and with the integration of specific sensors and
systems, the aircraft is able to be transformed in an efficient Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft.
In December 2008 the Italian Air Force has signed the contract for the supply of four ATR 72MPs. These
aircraft will carry out tasks of surveillance, maritime patrol and SAR. The new aircraft are going to replace
the Breguet Atlantic today in service.
The ATR 72MP will be equipped with an ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) mission
system developed by another Finmeccanica company, SELEX Galileo. A mission system similar to the one
already installed on the ATR 42MPs in service with the Italian Guardia di Finanza (customs police) and the
Italian Coast Guard.
The mission system is based on three main sensors:
• An eletctro-optical turret SELEX Galileo EOST-23
• A research radar AESA SELEX Galileo Sea Spray 7000E
• An ESM (Electronic Support Measures) sensor provided by Elettronica.
The following capacities are completing the aircraft’s configuration:
• Automatic Identification System
• Link Communications 11/16
• Satellite Communications.
The aircraft will be equipped with the latest generation of communication systems and a datalink for realtime
information exchange between aircraft and command and control centres, and other sea or aerial
platforms. The mission system is integrated with the aircraft’s avionics in the new glass cockpit
configuration, peculiarity of the new ATR 72-600 platform.
The aircraft will also be equipped with a self-protection system (chaff & flare dispenser, radar
warning/missile warning/laser warning), which is similar to the one installed on the C-27J aircraft and
integrated with the board avionics.