Page 29 - ADT MARCH 2021 Online Magazine

latest 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft PROGRAMMES FOR NEW MARITIME PATROL OR
like the F-16 or the F-35 in an operational envi- ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE (ASW) AIRCRAFT.”
ronment.
The ATR MP features a highly sophisticated mission suite in
New Offering Leonardo’s ATOS system (Airborne Tactical Observation and
Timossi also said the M-345, which can be Surveillance) that manages the vast range of sensors that the air-
rightfully considered as the latest, natural out- craft is equipped with. It also combines the information gathered
come of Leonardo’s longstanding experience and presents an overall tactical situation (data fusion) providing
in designing and producing integrated training excellent situational awareness to the operators. The ATR 72 MP [ INTERVIEW LEONARDO ]
systems was better suited to emerging training can accommodate up to four operator workstations.
requirements as compared to turboprop trainer
aircraft. The Italian Air Force has placed orders “I want to highlight that Leonardo is the only company authorized
for 18 M-345 basic trainers. to promote the missionized versions of brand new ATR aircraft as
the design authority,” Timossi stressed. Due to the high level of
“NOW IN THE M345, WE HAVE customisation demanded by users operating MPAs, Timossi said
INSTEAD, A SOLUTION WHICH IS this is a niche market, which calls for a high-level of skill to deliver
VERY EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT. on the customised solution for the customer.
WE DON’T HAVE TO MIMIC THE “Everyone has their own requirements, so it is always a matter of
BEHAVIOUR OF JET AIRCRAFT WITH balancing these requirements.” A key consideration driving the
THE M-345, AS COMPARED TO purchase of military platforms today are reliability, maintainability
SOME OF OUR COMPETITORS WHO and low life-cycle costs; these are all delivered by the ATR 72MP,
which is based on the highly successful civilian regional transport
OFFER TURBOPROP TRAINERS,” he aircraft built by ATR.
said.

The M-345 is the ideal aircraft to replace
the current line of basic trainers around the
world offering higher performance compared
to heavy turboprop trainers and, at the same
granting, a safe and smooth transition from the
lower end primary trainers.

Ocean Watch
Leonardo is offering the ATR 72MP as the per-
fect solution for maritime patrol requirements,
which will require search and identification of
surface vessels, C4ISR and SAR missions to
name a few. Timossi, said Leonardo is awaiting
the final decision for a Malaysian requirement
for MPAs. Malaysia had issued a requirement
in 2020 for MPAs for the Royal Malaysian Air
Force (RMAF). Timossi, added that the ATR Versatile Performer
72MP is a proven offering the Italian Air Force Speaking about the C-27J, Timossi, said Leonardo is looking at
and Italian Coast Guard operating these aircraft developing a possible missionized version of the aircraft than can
in the Mediterranean Sea very effectively.
undertake maritime patrol missions. The aircraft already a proven
“THE APAC REGION IS capability to undertake a wide range of missions with its ability to
take and take-off and land from semi prepared airstrips and very
PARTICULARLY INTERESTING FOR short ones.
MARITIME PATROL AIRCRAFT
BECAUSE THE SOUTH CHINA SEA The C-27J also offers commonality of loading systems with that
AND STRAIT OF MALACCA, AND of the larger C-130. Cargo from a C-130 can be quickly transferred
onto a C-27J just by rotating the pallets 90 degrees with no need
EVEN DOWN SOUTH IN AUSTRALIA to waste time, dissembling the pallets. “we can reconfigure the
AND NEW ZEALAND, THERE ARE aircraft in a matter of half an hour or maximum one hour depending
QUITE A NUMBER OF ONGOING on the mission requirement that is needed to be performed, such
PROGRAMME OR POTENTIAL as from a cargo to a medical evacuation. Leonardo is also offering
the C-27J in a firefighting configuration.

ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY March 2022 | 29