Xian Aircraft's concept maritime patrol aircraft, the MA-MPA, could help China meet a glaring need for a surveillance aircraft for exclusive economic zone patrol, to counter piracy and to back up its territorial claims in East Asia and the South China Sea. Unveiled at the Zhuhai air show in early November, the so-called "Fearless Albatross" is based on Xian's new MA-60 regional turboprop, which in turn is a development of the Y-7, or Antonov An-26 (Flight International, 14-20 November). The MA-MPA has raked wingtips and fuselage-mounted tanks to increase range. It has a pronounced nose to house a search radar, which is reminiscent of the Shaanxi Y-8 airborne early warning platform, now in service with the Chinese navy. The MA-MPA will be armed with anti-ship and air-to-air missiles.
Source: Flight International
