For the first time since its introduction into service in December 2016, the Italian Air Force’s ATR 72MP has flown overseas to attend the Langkawi International Maritime And Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition in Malaysia, from March 21 to 25.
Leonardo envisions significant export opportunities for the aircraft in the region due the aircraft’s low cost of operation, ease of maintenance and exceptional versatility in a number of maritime roles.
The ATR 72MP, which was developed by Leonardo using the ATR 72-600 turboprop as a base, can perform roles including maritime patrol, search and identification of surface vessels, Command, Control and Communication, ISR, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, SAR (Search and Rescue) missions, the prevention of narcotics trafficking, piracy, smuggling, territorial water security and monitoring and intervention in the event of environmental catastrophes.
The ATR 72MP is equipped with Leonardo’s ATOS mission system, which uses advanced data fusion techniques to present a single tactical picture to the operator that integrates information from all of the aircraft's on-board sensors. One key sensor on the ATR 72MP is Leonardo’s Seaspray AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) surveillance radar. Seaspray provides a powerful surveillance capability with a range of modes, all in a highly reliable package.
The aircraft also uses the latest communication systems, able to transmit or receive information in real time to/from command and control centers either on the ground, in the air or at-sea, to ensure coordinated and effective operations. The aircraft is also equipped with a self-protection system, fully integrated with the ATR 72MP’s mission system and avionics. The ATR 72MP can fly missions lasting 10 hours.
In addition to the ATR 72MP patrol aircraft, one law enforcement AW139 helicopter plus Leonardo’s range of sensors and systems are displayed.
Also on show at LIMA is Leonardo’s SEER radar warning system, which builds on the company’s more than 100 years of experience in the electro-magnetic spectrum to keep crews aware of potentially hostile radar emitters.
During the show the Italian Navy Frigate Carabiniere, a FREMM class ship completely equipped by Leonardo products and systems, will be docked along the maritime hall.
Leonardo has had a presence for many years on board the Royal Malaysian Navy ships with its defense systems, including its 76/62mm guns and torpedoes, and with the Super Lynx 300 helicopters. It also has supplied AW109 twin-engine light helicopters to the Army.
Malaysian armed forces, parapublic and commercial customers operate more than 50 helicopters for all applications including law enforcement, search and rescue, firefighting, offshore, passenger/corporate transport and anti-submarine warfare.
Radar and communication systems have, for several years, contributed to widening the air defense, land security and control capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces and to managing the air traffic control of a number of civilian airports, such as Kuala Lumpur international airport, which is one of the largest in the region.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Leonardo boasts a presence across all its business areas, including aeronautics, with the tactical transport aircraft C-27J Spartan deployed by the Royal Australian Air Force, and the advanced M-346 trainer, for which the first export customer was the Singapore Air Force.
In the field of helicopters, the armed forces and government agencies of Japan, South Korea, Australia and Philippines are long-standing customers of Leonardo helicopters, for a large number of roles. Leonardo’s defense and security systems are aboard a large number of vessels, with 76/62mm turrets, radar and communication systems, and aboard a number of submarines, with Black Shark Heavyweight torpedoes, as well as Lightweight Torpedoes for surface vessels and underwater countermeasures.
