Republic of Singapore Air Force Discussions

[swerve]

Maybe an ASW version of the HC-27J and MC-27J is the fastest and safest choice. Besides that it can be developed domestically.

The ATR-72 can be equipped for ASW (I think it was designed in, but not chosen by Italy: I'm not sure if any other ATR-72 MPA operators have fitted it), & doing that could be the quickest, lowest-risk way to upgrade Italian airborne ASW capability. But that'd still be rather limited, & realistically only an interim upgrade pending the introduction of more capable aircraft.

I expect that the P-8 could be got into service earlier than any other full capacity ASW aircraft.

 

[SolarisKenzo]

The ATR-72 can be equipped for ASW (I think it was designed in, but not chosen by Italy: I'm not sure if any other ATR-72 MPA operators have fitted it), & doing that could be the quickest, lowest-risk way to upgrade Italian airborne ASW capability. But that'd still be rather limited, & realistically only an interim upgrade pending the introduction of more capable aircraft.

I expect that the P-8 could be got into service earlier than any other full capacity ASW aircraft.

I confirm Italian P-72 fleet is not equipped with ASW weapons, they only perform support missions to armed assets like P8 or Atlantic 2 of other NATO allies.

The planes will not be equipped with weapons because it is not feasible (not sure if they meant it's not possible because of how the Italian planes were equipped or because it would cost too much).

 

[koxinga]

The ATR-72 can be equipped for ASW (I think it was designed in, but not chosen by Italy: I'm not sure if any other ATR-72 MPA operators have fitted it), & doing that could be the quickest, lowest-risk way to upgrade Italian airborne ASW capability.

Turkey's ATR72 are fitted for ASW.

ATR 72-600 TMPA: the new generation maritime patrol asset for the Turkish Navy

Alenia Aermacchi has signed an agreement with Savunma Sanayii Müsteşarlığı (SSM), the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries to deliver two ATR 72-600 TMUA (Turkish Maritime Utility Aircraft) and six ATR 72-600 TMPA (Turkish Maritime Patrol Aircraft) to the Turkish Navy.

www.leonardo.com

The platform is versatile, you see the Malaysian version with Leonardo kit and the Philippines version with Elbit kit and the Turks with a mix of Thales and domestic systems.

But the ATR platform is limited due to slow speed and range, even when compared to a P3. The only advantage (aside from sensors) is cost due to the commercial platform.

 

[John Fedup]

MPA are all based on commercial platforms. A bigger platforms means more exotic sensor kit and extended range but also a bigger price. The ATR72 offers sufficient capability for some nations at an affordable price. The AEW market has the E7 but for many nations the Saab GlobalEye/Bombardi.er platform will be a reasonable alternative option.

 

[swerve]

MPA are all based on commercial platforms. A bigger platforms means more exotic sensor kit and extended range but also a bigger price. The ATR72 offers sufficient capability for some nations at an affordable price. The AEW market has the E7 but for many nations the Saab GlobalEye/Bombardi.er platform will be a reasonable alternative option.

Almost all. The Kawasaki P-1 is a purpose-built aircraft with no civil model.

 

[swerve]

But the ATR platform is limited due to slow speed and range, even when compared to a P3.

And size. It's much smaller & lighter than a P-8/Boeing 737 or A321, or even the old Lockheed Electra (basis of the P-3), or some of the bizjets proposed for the MPA role such as the Global 6000 (almost twice the max TO weight) or G550, which limits what sensors & weapons it can carry.