The technology demonstrator of the Maritime Patrol Aircraft variant of the Piaggio Aero Industries P-180A II for the United Arab Emirates is undergoing flight tests.

The programme is financed by the UAE and involves ADSI (Tawazun Group) as prime contractor, Piaggio Aero Industries, and Saab as the sensors and MEDUSA mission system supplier.

The program is carried out under the supervision of Segredifesa, the Italian Secretery of Defence.

The MPA variant will feature a new high aspect ratio wing allowing for increased performances in terms of maximum ceiling and range. The current tests are aimed to evaluate aircraft’s aerodynamics and navigation system.

Piaggio Aero attended the recent IDEX 2013 Exhibition (17-23 February 2013, Abu Dhabi, UAE) where it mainly presented the special mission versions of the P.180 Avanti II Aicraft - Air Ambulance, Patrol and Flight Inspection, and the new Piaggio Aero MPA Multirole Patrole Aircarft announced in July 2012 during the Farnborough International Air Show.