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France Looks to New MPA type in existence today. The P-1 incorporates
France has opted for a domestic alternative to replace its fleet of cutting edge technology; such as the world’s
first operational fly-by-light (FBL) system with
22 Dassault Atlantique ATL2 MPAs. In January, France’s defence high electromagnetic interference tolerance
procurement agency, the DGA announced that it would support and an all new high-bypass ratio engine, the
two architecture studies for a future maritime patrol system. F7-10, developed by Ishikawajima-Harima
Heavy Industries (IHI).
The studies would be based on two aircraft – Airbus A320neo and
Dassault Falcon 10X. The studies will conclude with which is the best The all new F7-10, high-bypass ratio engines are
suited aircraft type to meet French MPA requirements post 2030. not only economical to operate but their low
A decision on which of these two platforms will be most suitable is noise levels contribute to acoustic stealth. With
expected to be made by 2026. four engines, the aircraft can continue on its
mission, even in a one engine inoperative con-
“These solutions should remain open to cooperation with other dition. Publicly available information indicates
European partners. The innovations studied may relate to the that the P-1 has the ability to fly up to a maxi-
improvement of sensors, means of communication, the introduc- mum range of 8,000kms (4,300 nautical miles).
tion of logic based on AI , or the integration of new weapons,” the
DGA stated. The French Navy fleet of Atlantique ATL2 MPAs are in The primary sensor on board the MPA is a
the midst of an upgade with 18 aircraft being modernised with new Toshiba HPS-106 advanced Active Electronically
systems and weapons. Scanned Array (AESA) maritime search radar.
It is also equipped with a Magnetic Anomaly
Japan Stays with Indigenous P-1 Detector (MAD) boom in the rear. Weapons car-
The JMSDF is replacing its P-3C fleet with the P-1, which is faster, riage is facilitated through on-wing hard points
has longer range, and greater payload capacity. The JMSDF’s P-1 and an internal weapons bay. Weapons said to
and P-3C patrol aircrafts monitor the activities of ships and ves- be carried on the type are the Harpoon anti-
sels in the seas and also work closely with destroyers and aircraft ship missile, AGM-65 Maverick missiles, along
to locate missile launches, in addition to undertaking warning and with various torpedoes, depth charges and
surveillance activities. The JMSDF is also upgrading its UP-3D MPAs mines. The crew compliment consists of three
with enhanced EW capabilities. flight crew and eight operators for the mission
systems.
The P-1 is especially suited for low-altitude ASW as a result of large Development of the P-1 began in 2001 and XP-1,
wing and spacious fuselage. It is also the first production aircraft the first prototype aircraft made its maiden
in the world to use a fly-by-light, flight control system (FCS) that is flight in 2007. The first production P-1 MPA was
substantially lighter than fly-by-wire (FBW) FCS. delivered to the JMSDF in March 2013. An esti-
mated total of 70 P-1s are to be acquired by the
The P-1 is an MPA specifically designed for the requirements for JMSDF and KHI has also been targeting export
the JMSDF and is arguably the most sophisticated maritime patrol sales of the P-1 without success.

© JMSDF
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