The new ATR 42MP (maritime patrol) is a derivative of the ATR 42 regional transport designed for a variety of missions.
Alenia Aeronautica is targeting maritime patrol; SAR; policing against drug trafficers, pirates and smugglers; intervention in case of ecological disaster (oil spills, chemical pollution); exclusive zone protection (fishing, off-shore minerals rights); and pollution control.
Two aircraft are already in operation with the Italian Guardia di Finanza (customs police) and a third is on order. Two further ATR 42MPs have been delivered to the Italian coast guard.
The ATR 42MP is currently being considered by India. Other potential customers include Sweden, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Pakistan.
Alenia is also developing the ATR 72ASW, a new version derived from the ATR 72-500, to meet the requirement of a medium range and low cost airlift capable of accomplishing ASW missions.
The ATR 72ASW integrates maritime patrol systems with the anti-submarine capabilities.
Source: Flight Daily News
