At LIMA 2017 Leonardo’s ATR 72MP is on show for the first time

.Langkawi, 21 March 2017 – For the first time since its introduction into service in December 2016,
the Italian Air Force’s ATR 72MP has flown overseas to attend the Langkawi International Maritime
And Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia, from March 21 to 25.
During the show, the aircraft and its crew will be available to delegations and guests for hosted
visits and briefings. 

Leonardo envisions significant export opportunities for the aircraft in the region
due the aircraft's low cost of operation, ease of maintenance and exceptional versatility in a
number of maritime roles.

The ATR 72MP, which was developed by Leonardo using the ATR 72-600 turboprop as a base,
can perform roles including maritime patrol, search and identification of surface vessels,
Command, Control and Communication, ISR, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, SAR
(Search and Rescue) missions, the prevention of narcotics trafficking, piracy, smuggling, territorial
water security and monitoring and intervention in the event of environmental catastrophes. 

The ATR 72MP is equipped with Leonardo's ATOS mission system, which uses advanced data
fusion techniques to present a single tactical picture to the operator that integrates information from
all of the aircraft's on-board sensors. One key sensor on the ATR 72MP is Leonardo's Seaspray
AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) surveillance radar. Seaspray provides a powerful surveillance capability with a range of modes, all in a highly reliable package.

 The aircraft also uses the latest communication systems, able to transmit or receive information in real time to/from command and control centres either on the ground, in the air or at-sea, to ensure coordinated and effective operations. The aircraft is also equipped with a self-protection system, fully integrated with the ATR 72MP’s mission system and avionics. The ATR 72MP can fly missions lasting 10 hours.

The ATR 72MP is a multirole Maritime Patrol, Electronic Surveillance and C4I (Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) aircraft, available at a very affordable price.

Primary roles

The ATR 72MP’s primary roles are: maritime patrol to search and identify surface vessels, 

command and control of other war-fighting assets in tactical scenarios, ELINT (ELectronic 

INTelligence, search and rescue (SAR), prevention of piracy, smuggling and narcotic trafficking 

and territorial water security. It can also carry SAR personnel. The is equipped with a complete C4I

systems suite incorporating multidatalink fully integrating Link 16 and Link11, Satcom Ku/Ka, 

VORTEX, VMF and Radar Classifier, in addition to ESM ELINT (Electronic Surveillance Measures 

– ELectronic INTelligence) capabilities. 

The Leonardo ATOS mission system

The aircraft’s mission system, provided with four interchangeable Tactical Multifunction Consoles 

with high-definition 24” monitors and touch-screen control panels, is the last version of Leonardo’s 

Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) mission system. 

The mission system suite represents the “core” of the aircraft and guarantees the accomplishment 

of the most various missions, both maritime and overland, thanks to a high multi-role capability.

ATOS controls and monitors the sensors which collect, analyse, fuse, record and distribute all 

available data by means tactical and wide band data links.

Functions supported by the Mission System include active and passive electronic surveillance, 

optical reconnaissance in the visible and infrared bands, vessel identification, pollution detection, 

net centric with C2 reporting responsibilities and mission planning.

The package of equipment includes Leonardo’s Seaspray 7300E active electronically scanned 

array (AESA) surveillance radar with integrated IFF interrogator, a Star Safire HD electro-optical 

turret, an Automatic Identification System (AIS), a C-SAR ASARS system and a Elettronica’s 

Electronic Support Measures with a self-protection subsystem. The integrated communication suite 

(ICS, V/UHF radios, HF radios) is provided by Leonardo including SATCOM (SICRAL)-capable 

radio, SATCOM Wide KU/KA Band and Link 11/16, VORTEX and Variable Message Format (VMF) data links.

The ATOS mission system is fully integrated with a militarized ATR-600 Glass Cockpit.

Self-protection capabilities

The Self-Protection System suite, derived from the one that equips the C-27J Spartan battlefield 

airlifter, includes chaff & flare dispensers (CFD), missile and laser warning systems (MWS and 

LWS)) and a new RWR/ESM with ELINT and geolocalisation capabilities. The suite is integrated by 

a new DASS Management Computer and can be operated from the cockpit via a dedicated DASS 

display unit and DASS control panel. The ATR 72MP system fully meets the most stringent 

requirements for hardware and software security.

The aircraft is interoperable through SATCOM System for data/video information and radio channel 

for audio with a Ground Support Station based in the Main Operative Base to support the 

capabilities of Mission Planning, Following and Debriefing