The top ten maritime patrol aircraft

A P-3 Orion patrol aircraft from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol air drops a sealed capsule on the port side of the USS Underwood (FFG 36). Image courtesy of Frank J. Pikul, US Navy.The P-3 Orion is a long-range nautical patrol aircraft ( MPA ) with multi-mission capabilities. Its 16-hour fly-time and high ferry range of 8,944km shuffle it the top MPA in the populace. The aircraft was developed by Lockheed Martin chiefly for the US Navy. The aircraft entered service in 1962 and is presently in service with 21 operators in 17 countries worldwide .
The aircraft can conduct a variety of missions such as maritime / over-land patrol, anti-submarine war, anti-piracy, anti-terrorism, drug interdict and the prevention of illegal immigration. Lockheed Martin offers a P-3 Mid-Life Upgrade ( MLU ) plan to extend the aircraft ’ mho service life by 20 to 25 years .
The aircraft can be equipped with infrared and electro-optical ( EO ) sensors, angstrom well as special imaging radar to detect objects at long ranges. Its large inner weapons true laurel and ten external hardpoints can firm a range of weapons. Four Allison T56-A-14 engines provide the P-3 Orion with a long-range cruise speed of 350k at 25,000ft.

Based on Boeing ’ s 737-800 future genesis, the P-8A Poseidon long-range multi-mission nautical aircraft was for the US Navy. The aircraft is capable of performing maritime patrol, anti-submarine and anti-surface war, equally well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance ( ISR ) missions. The amerind Navy besides operates a P-8A interpretation designated as P-8I. associate



Boeing completed the maiden over flight of the P-8A in April 2009. The aircraft is equipped with Northrop Grumman infrared countermeasures and electronic support measures systems, Raytheon AN/APY-10 radar and MK 54 lightweight torpedo, GE Aviation flight-management and stores-management systems, and air-to-surface / anti-ship missiles .
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The aircraft flies at a speed of 907km/h and can be deployed up to a range of 7,240km without refuelling. Its power-plant integrates two CFM56-7B engines, which each develop 27,000lb of thrust .
The Kawasaki P-1 is a japanese maritime patrol aircraft manufactured by the aerospace division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It is intended to replace the P-3C MPA flit in service with the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force ( JMSDF ) .
The aircraft features eight external hardpoints for missiles and eight internal bomb calorimeter bays. It can be armed with anti-ship missiles, air-to-surface missiles, torpedoes, mines, depth charges, and bombs .
The Toshiba active electronically scanned range ( AESA ) radar, Shinko Electric advanced combat direction system, and magnetic anomaly detection and infrared/light detection systems aboard the aircraft ensure effective detection and traverse of submarines and little vessels. The Kawasaki P-1 has a ferry crop of 8,000km and a combat radius of 2,500km .
The Saab Swordfish MPA is a multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft that is capable of conducting nautical ISR, nautical counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, anti-submarine war ( ASW ) and anti-surface war ( ASuW ) missions. high dash speed and hanker survival make the Saab Swordfish MPA an ideal maritime patrol aircraft .
The Saab Swordfish MPA comes with an advanced detector and C4I box comprising 360° rotating multi-mode nautical surveillance radar, electro-optical sensors with laser cargo, automatic identification system ( AIS ), designation friend or foe ( IFF ), electronic war and self-defense system, SATCOM, and tactical data links. It besides features four weapon hardpoints to carry weaponry burden .
Based on the Global 6000 commercial enterprise jet, the Swordfish MPA has a maximal cruise focal ratio of 450k and a long-range cruise speed of 360k. It can remain airborne for 11.5 hours and conduct patrols in an exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ) of 200nm for 7.3 hours while flying at an altitude of 5,000ft .

CN-235 MPA / HC-144 Ocean Sentry

The CN-235 MPA is a multirole maritime patrol aircraft deployed in maritime surveillance and fatherland security system missions. It besides served as the basis for the HC-144A Ocean Sentry surveillance aircraft used by the US Coast Guard .
The aircraft ’ randomness hanker endurance capability of up to 11 hours and 4,200km range make it one of the best MPAs in the global. Two General Electric GE CT7-9CE propjet engines, each with a rat might of 1,750shp, ensure superior performance.

The CN-235MPA incorporates a fully integrated tactical system ( FITS ), which can be integrated with a variety show of mission sensors for conducting complex surveillance missions. The aircraft features six hardpoints to carry anti-ship missiles or torpedoes .

ATR 42 MP Surveyor

Alenia Aermacchi developed the maritime patrol aircraft ATR 42 MP Surveyor based on the ATR 42 short-haul regional airliner. The ATR 42MP is presently operated by the italian Customs Police ( italian Guardia di Finanza ), italian Coast Guard, Nigerian Air Force and Libyan General Security Agency .
The aircraft has a ferry image of 3,741km and can conduct non-stop patrols for up to 11 hours. It integrates the advance tactical notice system ( ATOS ) mission management system. The state-of-the-art mission system, along with onboard sensors, enables the aircraft to conduct a variety of missions such as identification and track of vessels, nautical and coastal surveillance, search-and-rescue ( SAR ) and pollution detection missions .
The aircraft is powered by two PW 127E engines, each with a take-off ability 2,160shp. The maximal cruise speed of the aircraft is 280k .

AN-74MP

The AN-74MP was developed by ANTONOV based on its AN-74 transmit aircraft. The nautical patrol aircraft ensures security across coastal areas in all upwind conditions. It can besides be used for SAR, electronic and radio reconnaissance, and the detection of marine pollution .
The aircraft is equipped with integrate sight navigation and flight system, radio communication equipment and a television system. The GSh-23L 23mm Cannon, unguided missiles, forward pass turkey and optional anti-ship missiles aboard the aircraft ensure interception of threats. self-defense is provided by electronic countermeasures, self-defense arrangement, radar admonitory liquidator, laser warn and missile approach warning systems .
The 7m-long cargo compartment can accommodate 44 armed infantrymen and 16 stretchers, in addition to a checkup attendant and a warhead of up to 10,000kg. It besides allows the airdrop of 22 fully laden paratroopers. The power-plant integrates two D-36-4A fanjet engines providing a utmost travel rapidly of 725km/h, range of 3,704km and endurance of eight to nine hours .
The C295 MPA is a versatile maritime patrol aircraft developed by EADS CASA ( nowadays Airbus Military ). The aircraft can be deployed in maritime patrol, EEZ surveillance, SAR and anti-submarine and anti-surface war missions. It is in servicing with the Chilean Navy, Portuguese Air Force and Royal Air Force of Oman .
The in full integrated tactical system ( FITS ) aboard the C295 MPA integrates aircraft seafaring and communications systems, radar, EO/IR turret, acoustic system, charismatic anomaly detector ( MAD ), AIS, IFF inquisitor, ESM/electronic intelligence, weapon system and a ocean pollution detection system .
The under-wing stations of C295 MPA can be armed with anti-ship missiles and torpedoes for striking come on and sub-surface targets. The power-plant integrates two PW127G propjet engines. The aircraft can patrol a rate of 1,800nmi ( 3,333km ) and stay airborne for more than eight hours, depending on the configuration .

ATR 72 MP

Based on the ATR 72-600 platform, the ATR 72 MP ( Maritime Petrol ) aircraft was developed by Alenia Aermacchi. The aircraft is primarily deployed in surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime patrol and SAR missions. It is in service with the Italian Air Force, Pakistan Navy and Turkish Navy .
The ATR 72 MP can operate in extreme temperatures, altitudes and environmental conditions. It is equipped with SELEX Galileo ATOS mission organization, which is interfaced with onboard sensors and equipment to perform electronic surveillance, ocular reconnaissance, vessel identification, and befoulment detection .
The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M turboprops. Each engine driving a six-bladed, variable-pitch propeller provides a maximal cruise rush of 248k and an endurance of ten hours .

EMB 145 MP

EMB 145 MP is a new-generation multirole aircraft produced by Embraer to meet the challenge requirements of maritime patrol and anti-submarine war. Derived from ERJ 145 platform, the aircraft can be configured for nautical patrol and AsuW and ASW missions .
The EMB 145 MP ’ s open architecture allows for the integration of mission systems according to the customer ’ mho requirements. Its under-wing hardpoints can be fitted with conventional and smart weapons .
The aircraft is powered by two AE 3007 fanjet engines, each generating a maximum thrust of 7,420lb. The maximal focal ratio is Mach 0.78 and range is 3,020km .

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