“Guardians of the Sea: Italian Coast Guard Welcomes New ATR42 Maritime Patrol Aircraft!”

Leonardo has entered into an agreement with the General Command of the Port Authorities – Coast Guard for the delivery of an ATR42-600 Maritime Patrol (MP) aircraft. This acquisition is part of the General Command’s strategy for upgrading its fleet, which already comprises three MPs based on the ATR 42-400 and ATR 42-500 models.

The ATR 42 MP, designed and manufactured using the ATR 42-600 turboprop regional aircraft framework, exemplifies Leonardo’s prowess in both platform and systems integration. This aircraft boasts multi-domain sensors and cutting-edge research and communication technologies, enabling real-time data transmission and reception, which optimizes operations across the entire chain of command.

The ATR42 MP will be incorporated into the Corps’ aviation fleet to perform various tasks delegated to the Coast Guard, which includes maritime surveillance along Italy’s coastline and in international waters, facilitated by the sophisticated technological tools embedded in both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

Already operational with variants specifically tailored for other Italian governmental entities, the aircraft is outfitted with Leonardo’s ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) modular mission system. ATOS oversees the extensive array of aircraft sensors, integrating the information collected into a unified tactical overview and presenting the data to operators in the most effective format, thereby delivering a superior and continuously updated situational awareness, even during intricate operations.

This aircraft combines the dependability, ease of maintenance, affordability, and comfort of the ATR 42-600 from which it originates, while providing the crew with an ergonomic design that enhances efficiency and effectiveness during maritime patrol, search and identification, and SAR (search and rescue) missions, as well as in combating drug trafficking, piracy, and illegal immigration.