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ATR-72 ASW

Turkey’s SSM defence procurement authority has signed a EUR 180 million ($219 million) contract to meet its Meltem 3 requirement for 10 maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, ordering a dedicated version of the ATR 72-500 regional transport turboprop called the ATR 72 ASW.

The aircraft will have a new glass cockpit and mission and sensor suite provided by Thales Airborne Systems, including a surveillance radar, electro-optical sensor, magnetic anomaly detector, acoustic processing system, and sonobuoy and armament launchers. The modified aircraft will have a maximum take-off weight of 22,500kg (49,600lb), and can loiter for 6 hours at 370 km (200 nm) from its base.

Alenia will conduct systems integration and installation work, as well as performing airframe modifications in Turkey with local companies. Certification of the new variant will be carried out by Italy’s military authorities. Turkish engineers will also participate in the program in Italy, providing the basis for joint in-service support for the aircraft.

Note that ATR is a 50-50 partnership between Finmeccania subsidiary Alenia Aeronautica and EADS.

Additional Readings & Sources

• ATR 72 ASW – Official Web Page

• Corporate Release [PDF format]

• Flight International (July 6/05) – Tactical Italian