Saab has been awarded a €15.5 million ($20.4 million) contract to produce and integrate surveillance equipment for a new maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) derivative of the Piaggio Aero P180 Avanti II.
The order comprises two MPA and requires Saab to integrate a package of advanced surveillance equipment comprising sensors, radar, infrared cameras and a mission system, the Swedish company says. Announced in late December, its contract and the signature of a new framework agreement follows Piaggio's announcement in mid-2012 of a tie-up with the company on the development effort.
Saab says it will complete deliveries under the order between 2012 and 2015. Piaggio has previously outlined a plan to fly the first of two prototype P180 MPA in 2014.
Source: Flight International
