ATR 72 MP Maritime Patrol Aircraft
The ATR 72 MP is a maritime surveillance aircraft developed by Alenia Aermacchi. Built based on the ATR 72-600 platform, the ATR 72 MP serves as a low-cost, consistent, sea-surface surveillance platform for the military forces across the world.
The aircraft helps to detect, locate and rescue people from broken ships and aircraft. It offers cost-effective surveillance and exclusive economic zone patrol and search-and-rescue (SAR).
The equipment installed on the aircraft, such as sensors, communications equipment and mission systems can be customised depending on the mission requirement.
The ATR 72 MP is manufactured with composite materials, which make the aircraft highly resistant to damage and corrosion. The airframe is designed to install sensors and other function-specific modules such as bubble windows and an in-flight operable door.
Compared to its predecessor the ATR 42 MP, this aircraft has significant endurance, more interior space and the latest control systems.
The ATR 72 MP has an operational empty weight of 14,586kg and maximum take-off weight of 23,000kg. The aircraft can carry a payload of 5,000kg.
ATR 72 MP aircraft cockpit and avionics
The ATR 72 MP aircraft is equipped with a glass
cockpit that integrates five LCD screens as a standard fitment, along with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components for better interface and high resolution graphics.
The SELEX Galileo airborne tactical observation and surveillance (ATOS) mission system is installed with four interchangeable strategic operator stations to simplify the operations. It includes three sensors including an electro-optical turret FLIR system Star Safire HD, AESA SELEX Galileo Sea Spray 7000E search radar and an ESM (Electronic Support Measures) sensor from Elettronica.
The 360° operated turret helps to identify targets around the clock using its wide elevation range.
The multimode, X-band 360° search radar enables long-range target detection, tracking and identification of approximately 100 targets at a time using track while scan application (TWS).
The ATR 72 MP aircraft includes automatic identification system (AIS) and a V/UHF 360° direction-finding device to locate the direction of range radio emitters between 30MHz and 470MHz frequencies.
The side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) installed on the aircraft helps to detect water pollution from long range and trace underwater activities close to the sea surface. The Hyper Spectral Scanner (HSS) of the aircraft helps to find the type of polluting agent.
ATR 72 MP self protection system and countermeasures
Self protection systems on the ATR 72 MP aircraft include chaff and flare dispenser and a warning system for radars, missiles and lasers. The standard aircraft configuration includes ESM and self-protection systems for reconnaissance and operations in mission critical battlefield.
"The aircraft helps to detect, locate and rescue people from broken ships and aircraft. It offers cost-effective surveillance and exclusive economic zone patrol and search-and-rescue."
Engine details of ATR 72 MP
The power plant of the aircraft includes two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M turboprops, which each provides a maximum take-off power of 2,750shp.
The engine is fitted with a Hamilton Sundstrand 568F six-blade, variable-pitch propeller.
ATR 72 MP aircraft performance
The ATR 72 MP aircraft can cruise at a maximum speed of 459.29km/h. It can fly at an operational altitude of 7,620m, but has a maximum endurance of ten hours at 1,524m altitude.
The aircraft can take-off from runways as short as 1,170m and land on runways as short as 630m.
The aircraft can be operated in extreme weather conditions and altitudes. It features a Hotel Mode, which enables the aircraft to operate from remote bases.
https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/atr-72-mp-maritime-patrol-aircraft/
ATR 72 ASW
The ATR 72 ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) is a multi-role, special mission aircraft based on ATR 72-600 modern regional turboprop aircraft from Alenia Aermacchi. The aircraft is designed to perform
anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missions. It can also be deployed in maritime patrol, search and identification of submarines and search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Reconfiguration of the aircraft can take place to perform missions such as protection of territorial waters, anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, monitoring and intervening of environmental disasters. It can also be used to protect the sea and coastline.
The ATR 72 ASW features a flexible, modular design incorporating a semi-monocoque fail-safe fuselage. Its airframe and tail section are made of composite materials.
The basic ATR 72-600 aircraft has maximum take-off weight of 22,800kg, maximum payload weight of 7,300kg and operational empty weight of 13,311kg. It can carry a maximum fuel load of 5,000kg and can accommodate up to 70 passengers.
A flight-operable door/rear belly hatch is attached to the ASW aircraft to drop paratroopers or emergency kits. Large observation windows and specific additional systems can also be fitted to the aircraft.
Cockpit and avionics suite
The ATR 72 ASW aircraft features a new glass cockpit and a mission system integrated with digital flight avionics. It’s cockpit is fitted with five wide LCD screens, an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), FMS220 flight management system and a Multi-Purpose Computer (MPC).
The aircraft is attached with a mobile turret mounted with electro-optic (EO) system for real-time tactical situation awareness.
Thales AMASCOS (Airborne Maritime Situation & Control System) mission system and AIS (Automatic Identification System) will be fitted to the ATR72-600 TMPA. It will also feature a Link 11 / 16 data-link and broadband satellite systems. This will be used for the transfer of data in real-time to the ground command and control centres, as well as other platforms, both in air and on sea.
Armament and countermeasures of ATR 72 ASW
The ATR 72 ASW aircraft can be armed with anti-ship
missiles and torpedoes to attack underwater threats during anti-ship missions. Two pylons on either side of the fuselage can carry anti-submarine torpedoes. Also fitted are a sono-buoy launcher and an ASW weapon release point calculator.
The aircraft’s integrated self-protection system consists of search radar, chaff & flare dispenser, radar warning, depth charge, missile warning and laser warning systems. It also incorporates ESM (Electronic Support Measures) and MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detector) sensors to identify and track threats.
A new generation weapons system mounted with MK 54 and MK 46 lightweight torpedoes can be carried by the ATR72-600 TMPA variant.
Engine and performance of the anti-submarine warfare aircraft
The ATR 72 aircraft is powered by two PW 127M turboprop engines developed by Pratt & Whitney. Each engine driving a Hamilton Standard, six-bladed 568F propeller generates a power of 2,750shp at 1,200rpm. The power plant offers enhanced performance in hot and high conditions.
A maximum cruise speed of 510km/h can be achieved by the aircraft, as well as a maximum range of 825nmi. It can climb at a rate of 1,355ft per minute and can remain airborne for about 11 hours.
https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/atr-72-asw-anti-submarine-warfare-aircraft/
