Alenia Aerospazio at Asian Aerospace 2002 (Feb.14)
At Asian Aerospace 2002 Alenia Aerospazio will show all the most significant aircraft in its aeronautic production range, such as the military transport aircraft C-27J, the new aircraft for maritime patrol ATR 42 MP and the Eurofighter/Typhoon.
A primary focus at Asian Aerospace 2002 will be the new tactical military airlifter C-27J, jointly developed by Alenia Aerospazio and Lockheed Martin, marking its debut in the Far East.
In fact, for the C-27J this is the first in-flight exhibition at Singapore Air show. The aircraft combines the well-known reliability of the G222 with the modern avionics and the engines of the C-130J.
In June 2001 the C-27J received the civil aviation certificate from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) while in December 2001 the aircraft received from the MOD's National Armaments Aeronautics Directorate the military certification.
The military certification completes the experimental process carried out by the aircraft and was obtained after an intense experimental period that included more than 800 hours of flight of the three prototypes.
During 2001 the C-27J faced tough trial conditions such as the ice conditions tests carried out in Scotland, tests carried out in United Arab Emirates in hot environmental conditions, performance trials on semi-prepared landing strips constructed with the help of the Italian Army and the Military Airforce at Viterbo and Guidonia, and launch trials carried out at the firing ground of Perdas de Fogu in Sardinia.
Alenia Aeronautica is responsible for the design and production of the C-27J with regards to the structure, general on-board systems and integration. The company has been also responsible for the construction of the prototypes, flight tests and certification.
Lockheed Martin had the responsibility the propulsive systems and avionics, derived from the C-130J. Furthermore, all the most important Italian suppliers in the fields of aerostructures and systems participated in the project.
The C-27J has already been formally evaluated by the Air Forces of Australia, Switzerland, Israel and Saudi Arabia and is presently under tender in Greece (15 aircraft) and Brazil (12 aircraft). A contract with the Italian Air Force is also being finalised for the supply of 12 aircraft to substitute the G222s presently in service.
At the Asian Aerospace Exhibition Alenia Aerospazio will also display for the second time the ATR 42 MP Surveyor. The aircraft, showed in the version developed for the Italian Coast Guard, will fly during the Singapore Air Show to show potential customers its advanced characteristics and capabilities.
Many countries with long coastlines, particularly those in south-east Asia, require maritime patrol operations such as narcotics control, anti- piracy, protection of territorial waters (fishing, mineral rights, etc.) and intervention following ecological disasters (oil spills, chemical pollution).
The ATR 42 MP is a new version of the aircraft specially developed for carrying out maritime patrol missions, sea rescue and surveillance. The primary roles are the typical Maritime Patrol missions (Maritime and Coast Surveillance, Vessels Search and Identification, Search and Rescue - SAR, Economic Exclusive Zone Enforcement, Pollution Detection), the secondary one are the Transport Missions (Troop/Paratroop transport, Cargo Transport, Medical Evacuation, VIP/ Corporate/ Humanitarian Transport).
Alenia Aerospazio is also responsible for the system integration of the aircraft. Two aircraft have already been purchased by the Italian Guardia di Finanza and the first one has been in service since 2000. The Italian Coast Guard has also ordered two ATR 42 MP and the first aircraft has been delivered on May 2001. The aircraft is presently being evaluated by many potential customers, such as India and Sweden.
Alenia Aerospazio will also display in its Stand a model of the Eurofighter/Typhoon, the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft that matches the integrated requirements of the Air Forces of Italy, United Kingdom, Spain and Germany (Participating Nations).
The aircraft is the most cost-effective and operational combat aircraft capable of maintaining and assuring the air superiority and air defence in 2000 scenarios in areas threatened by the attack of fleets of aircraft equipped with modern armament systems and/or by limited number of intruders with very high operational performances.
It is therefore a system with very high performances designed and manufactured with enhanced technologies with new concept equipment on board (including radar and engine).
Alenia Aerospazio is responsible for the design and production of the left wing and of rear fuselage stage 2 and 3, including role equipment.
The Italian company is also committed to some systems development, such as navigation, armament control, secondary power and propulsion and is responsible for all the Italian Air Force aircraft final assembly.
