Alenia Aermacchi Delivers First Turkish Maritime Utility Aircraft

Alenia Aermacchi today delivered the first Maritime Utility Aircraft to the Turkish Navy.

This delivery comprises of a total order of eight ATR72s, which consist of two TMUAs and six ATR72-600 TMPA (Turkish Maritime Patrol Aircraft) maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Compared to the ATR72-600 basic platform, the two ATR72 TMUA, modified at Alenia Aermacchi’s plants in Napoli-Capodichino and Torino-Caselle, feature new radios; an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe system) and a cabin area equipped with tactical tables and communications equipment for the crew. Both aircraft, to be easily reconfigured into cargo, will be used for utility roles, personnel and cargo logistic transport.

The first Turkish Navy flying instructors just completed the training on the new aircraft at Alenia Aermacchi’s Training Centre in Caselle. The second aircraft will be delivered within the first half of August.

The following six multi-role aircraft ATR72-600 TMPAs are being converted by TAI, Turkish Aerospace Industry in Ankara and, further to some additional equipment specific to their multi-role asset, they will integrate the Thales AMASCOS mission system, datalink Link 16, AIS (Automatic Identification System) and a weapons system.

The first TMPA will be delivered to the Turkish Navy on February 2017 and deliveries will be completed by 2018.