Abu
Dhabi Autonomous System Investments (ADASI) - a subsidiary of Tawazun
– has signed a deal with Piaggio Aero for the development of a
new special missions surveillance aircraft, the Piaggio Aero MPA –
Multirole Patrol Aircraft.
The comprehensive contract covers the complete development of the MPA
aircraft, including the roll out of two prototypes with first flight
scheduled for 2014. Piaggio is part-owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign
wealth investment company, Mubadala.
Sweden’s Saab has been selected at the systems supplier having
joined forces with Piaggio to develop and integrate a full suite of
sophisticated airborne sensors and surveillance systems. In a statement
the Italian company said Saab’s proven experience in special mission
equipment will allow Piaggio to deliver to ADASI the most advanced,
cost effective state of the art aircraft for surveillance missions.
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The Piaggio
Aero MPA is the evolution of the Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II platform,
newly designed to meet the need for a robust and high-tech solution
for land, coastal, maritime and offshore security.
The MPA's main features are an enhanced airframe, increased maximum
take-off weight, additional fuel tanks and a new aerodynamic configuration
with a reinforced wing providing an increased surface and higher aspect
ratio. |
