The Top 10 Maritime Patrol Aircraft

P-3 Orion

The P-3 Orion is a long-range maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) with multimission capabilities. Its 16-hour fly-time and high ferry range of 8,944km make it the top MPA in the world. The aircraft was developed by Lockheed Martin principally for the US Navy. The aircraft entered service in 1962 and is currently in service with 21 operators in 17 countries across the globe.

The aircraft can conduct variety of missions such as maritime / over-land patrol, anti-submarine warfare, anti-piracy, anti-terrorism, drug interdiction and prevention of illegal immigration. Lockheed Martin offers a P-3 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) programme to extend the aircraft's service life by 20 to 25 years.

The aircraft can be equipped with infrared and electro-optical (EO) sensors, as well as special imaging radar to detect objects at long ranges. Its large internal weapons bay and 10 external hard-points can house a range of weapons. Four Allison T56-A-14 engines provide the P-3 Orion a long-range cruise speed of 350kt at 25,000ft.

CN-235 MPA / HC-144 Ocean Sentry

The CN-235 MPA is a multirole maritime patrol aircraft deployed in maritime surveillance and homeland security missions. It also served as basis for the HC-144A Ocean Sentry surveillance aircraft used by the US Coast Guard.

The aircraft's long endurance capability of up to 11 hours and range of 4,200km make it one of the best MPAs in the world. Two General Electric GE CT7-9CE turboprop engines, each with a rated power of 1,750shp, ensure superior performance.

The CN-235MPA incorporates a Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) which can be integrated with variety of mission sensors for conducting complex surveillance missions. The aircraft features six hard-points 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 currently 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 range of 3,741km and can conduct non-stop patrols for up to 11 hours. It integrates Advanced Tactical Observation 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 tracking of vessels, maritime and coastal surveillance, SAR and pollution detection missions.

The aircraft is powered by two PW 127E engines, each with a take-off power 2,160shp. The maximum cruise speed of the aircraft is 280kt.

AN-74MP

The AN-74MP was developed by ANTONOV based on its AN-74 transport aircraft. The maritime patrol aircraft ensures security across coastal areas in all weather conditions. It can also be used for search and rescue (SAR), electronic and radio reconnaissance and for detection of marine pollution.

The aircraft is equipped with integrated sight navigation and flight system, radio communication equipment and television system. The GSh-23L 23mm Cannon, unguided missiles, aerial bombs and optional anti-ship missiles onboard the aircraft ensure interception of threats. Self-defence is provided by electronic counter measures, self protection system, radar warning receiver, laser warning and missile approach warning systems.

The 7m-long cargo compartment can accommodate 44 armed infantrymen and 16 stretchers, plus a medical attendant and a payload of up to 10,000kg. It also allows the air drop of 22 fully-laden paratroopers. The power-plant integrates two D-36-4A turbojet engines providing a maximum speed of 725km/h, range of 3,704km and endurance of eight to nine hours.

Saab 2000 MPA

The Saab 2000 MPA is a multimission maritime surveillance aircraft capable of conducting ISR, Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance (MSAR), maritime boarder security and anti-surface warfare missions. High dash speed and long endurance capabilities make the Saab 2000 MPA an ideal maritime patrol aircraft.

The Saab 2000 MPA comes with an advanced sensor and C4I package comprising of 360° rotating maritime surveillance radar, multimode electro-optical sensor, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Identify Friend of Foe (IFF), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Self Protection System (SPS), SATCOM and data link.

The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 350kt and patrol speed of 160kt. It can endure airborne for more than 9.5 hours. It can conduct patrols in an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 200nm for 5.5 hours, while flying at an altitude of 2,000ft. Maximum range of the aircraft is more than 3,700km.

C295 MPA

The C295 MPA is a versatile maritime patrol aircraft developed by EADS CASA (now Airbus Military). The aircraft can be deployed in maritime patrol, EEZ surveillance, SAR and anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions. It is in service with Chilean Navy, Portuguese Air Force and Royal Air Force of Oman.

The Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) aboard the C295 MPA integrates aircraft navigation and communications systems, radar, EO/IR turret, acoustic system, magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), AIS, IFF interrogator, ESM/electronic intelligence, weapon system and a sea pollution detection system.

The under-wing stations of C295 MPA can be armed with anti-ship missiles and torpedoes for striking surface and sub-surface targets. The power-plant integrates two PW127G turboprop engines. The aircraft can patrol a range of 1,800nmi (3,333km) and can stay airborne for more than eight hours, depending on the configuration.

ATR 72 MP

The ATR 72 MP (Maritime Petrol) aircraft, based on the ATR 72-600 platform, was developed by Alenia Aermacchi. The aircraft is primarily deployed in surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime patrol and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. It is in service with the Italian Air Force.

The ATR 72 MP can operate in extreme temperatures, altitudes and environmental conditions. It is equipped with SELEX Galileo ATOS Mission System, which is interfaced with onboard sensors and equipment to perform electronic surveillance, optical reconnaissance, vessel identification and pollution detection.

The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M turboprops. Each engine driving a six-bladed, variable-pitch propeller provides a maximum cruise speed of 248kt and an endurance of 10 hours.

EMB 145 MP

EMB 145 MP is a new-generation multirole aircraft produced by Embraer to meet the challenging requirements of maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare. Derived from ERJ 145 platform, the aircraft can be configured for maritime patrol and anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions.

The EMB 145 MP's open architecture allows for integration of mission systems according to the customer's requirements. Its under-wing hard-points can be fitted with conventional and smart weapons.

The aircraft is powered by two AE 3007 turbofan engines, each generating a maximum thrust of 7,420lb. The maximum speed is about Mach 0.78 and range is about 3,020km.

Boeing P-8A Poseidon

The P-8A Poseidon long-range multimission maritime aircraft was developed by Boeing for the US Navy. The aircraft is capable of performing maritime patrol, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It is based on Boeing's Next-Generation 737-800. The Indian Navy also operates a P-8A version designated as P-8I.

The P-8A made its first flight in April 2009. It 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.

The aircraft flies at a speed of 789km/h. Its power-plant consists of two CFM56-7B engines, each developing 27,000lb of thrust. Additional fuel tanks give the aircraft a range of 2,222km with four hours on station.

Falcon 900 MPA

The Falcon 900 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) is a derivative of the Falcon 900 DX business jet. The MPA can be used for wide variety of missions including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, ISR, EEZ surveillance, surveillance of Sea Lanes Of Communication (SLOC), SAR, coastal security and environmental protection missions.

The advanced mission suite aboard the aircraft integrates 360° rotating maritime surveillance radar, retractable forward looking infrared system (FLIR), ESM suite, acoustic system with sonobuoys launcher, self-protection system and a complete communications suite. It allows the detection of numerous threats and ensures the crew can quickly counter such threats.

The power-plant of the Falcon 900 MPA includes three Honeywell TFE 731-60 engines equipped with Digital Electronic Engine Computer (DEEC). The aircraft has a cruise speed of Mach 0.85 and range of 1,200km.

Commander, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari: Iran Navy to send 35th flotilla to Gulf of Aden

Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.

The 35th flotilla of the Iranian Navy plans to leave for the Gulf of Aden to safeguard naval routes for vessels operating in the region.

Iran's Navy chief, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, said on Sunday that the flotilla would depart for the strategic region on July 11. He added that the 34th flotilla has a 90-day mission to accomplish in the north of the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea.

The 34th flotilla, which comprises the Bushehr logistic vessel and Alborz destroyer, left Iran's southern port city of Bandar Abbas for the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait on April 8. Sayyari said fighting pirates and ensuring safety for Iranian vessels sailing in high seas are among objectives of the 35th flotilla.

File photo shows an Iranian warship.

Iran’s Navy has succeeded in passing more than 2,700 oil tankers or merchant vessels through the Gulf of Aden and had 200 clashes with pirates, he noted. In recent years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has been also conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries. Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.

Source: Press TV

The ATR 72 MP, Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

The ATR 72 MP is a maritime surveillance aircraft developed by Alenia Aermacchi. Built based on the ATR 72-600 platform, the ATR 72 MP serves as a low-cost, consistent, sea-surface surveillance platform for the military forces across the world.

ATR 72 MP is a maritime surveillance aircraft manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi.

The aircraft helps to detect, locate and rescue people from broken ships and aircraft. It offers cost-effective surveillance and exclusive economic zone patrol and search-and-rescue (SAR).

The equipment installed on the aircraft, such as sensors, communications equipment and mission systems can be customised depending on the mission requirement.

ATR 72 MP aircraft orders and deliveries

The Italian Air Force awarded a contract for delivery of four ATR 72 MP maritime patrol aircraft to replace its ageing Breguet Atlantic aircraft, in December 2008.

A $137.4m contract was awarded to Alenia Aeronautica in November 2011 for providing logistical support for four ATR 72 MP aircraft of the Italian Air Force.

Design features of ATR 72 MP patrol aircraft

Compared to its predecessor the ATR 42 MP, this aircraft has significant endurance, more interior space and the latest control systems.The ATR 72 MP is manufactured with composite materials, which make the aircraft highly resistant to damage and corrosion. The airframe is designed to install sensors and other function-specific modules such as bubble windows and an in-flight operable door.

The ATR 72 MP has an operational empty weight of 14,586kg and maximum take-off weight of 23,000kg. The aircraft can carry a payload of 5,000kg.

ATR 72 MP aircraft cockpit and avionics

The ATR 72 MP aircraft is equipped with a glass cockpit that integrates five LCD screens as a standard fitment, along with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components for better interface and high resolution graphics.

The SELEX Galileo airborne tactical observation and surveillance (ATOS) mission system is installed with four interchangeable strategic operator stations to simplify the operations. It includes three sensors including an electro-optical turret FLIR system Star Safire HD, AESA SELEX Galileo Sea Spray 7000E search radar and an ESM (Electronic Support Measures) sensor from Elettronica.

The 360° operated turret helps to identify targets around the clock using its wide elevation range.

The multimode, X-band 360° search radar enables long-range target detection, tracking and identification of approximately 100 targets at a time using track while scan application (TWS).

The ATR 72 MP aircraft includes automatic identification system (AIS) and a V/UHF 360° direction-finding device to locate the direction of range radio emitters between 30MHz and 470MHz frequencies.

The side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) installed on the aircraft helps to detect water pollution from long range and trace underwater activities close to the sea surface. The Hyper Spectral Scanner (HSS) of the aircraft helps to find the type of polluting agent.

ATR 72 MP self protection system and countermeasures

Self protection systems on the ATR 72 MP aircraft include chaff and flare dispenser and a warning system for radars, missiles and lasers. The standard aircraft configuration includes ESM and self-protection systems for reconnaissance and operations in mission critical battlefield.

Engine details of ATR 72 MP

The power plant of the aircraft includes two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M turboprops, which each provides a maximum take-off power of 2,750shp.

The engine is fitted with a Hamilton Sundstrand 568F six-blade, variable-pitch propeller.

ATR 72 MP aircraft performance

The ATR 72 MP aircraft can cruise at a maximum speed of 459.29km/h. It can fly at an operational altitude of 7,620m, but has a maximum endurance of ten hours at 1,524m altitude.

The aircraft can take-off from runways as short as 1,170m and land on runways as short as 630m.

The aircraft can be operated in extreme weather conditions and altitudes. It features a Hotel Mode, which enables the aircraft to operate from remote bases.

Israel, May Be, Preparing For Back Stabbing Iran's Nuke Sites!

Former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton says Israel has speeding up its decision to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities following Russia’s move to sell S-300 missile system to Tehran. “President [Barack Obama] says all options are on the table. Nobody believes him. The Iranians don’t believe him. The Israelis don’t believe him. He doesn't believe it,” Bolton said in an interview with Bloomberg on Friday.

Former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton.

“So, the spotlight is on Israel as twice before in their history they've struck nuclear weapons programs in the hands of hostile states,” he added. “Their decision now is enormously speeded up by [Russian President] Vladimir Putin’s decree on Monday to allow the sale of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile defense system” to the Islamic Republic, he said.

The potential 2016 presidential candidate has repeatedly criticized Obama’s foreign policy regarding Iran. He had earlier said that Iran should be bombed by the United States or Israel. Putin on Monday signed a decree that lifts a ban on the shipment of the S-300 missiles from Russia to Iran. Meanwhile, President Obama said on Friday that he was not surprised about Russia’s decision to sell S-300 missile system to Iran.

“They [Russians] actually stopped the sale, paused or suspended the sale at our request. And I’m frankly surprised that it held this long, given that they were not prohibited by sanctions from selling these defensive weapons,” Obama said. Israel, however, denounced Russia's decision over the missile system sale to Iran.

"This is a direct result of the legitimacy that Iran is receiving from the nuclear deal that is being prepared, and proof that the Iranian economic growth which follows the lifting of sanctions will be exploited for arming itself and not for the welfare of the Iranian people," Israeli Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz said.

Iran and the P5+1 group – the US, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany – reached a framework nuclear agreement in Switzerland on April 2 and the two sides are working to reach a final deal by the end of June. Speaking at the New Hampshire Republican Party’s “First in the Nation” leadership summit in Nashua on Friday, Bolton once again slammed the framework nuclear agreement.

“President Obama is engaging in what I believe is the greatest display of appeasement from a president in history,” Bolton said. “The Obama administration has taken a position weaker than the UN Security Council.”

Putin lifts ban on delivery of S-300 missile systems to Iran

The Russian president has repealed the ban prohibiting the delivery of S-300 missile air defense systems to Iran, according to the Kremlin’s press service. The ban was introduced by former President Dmitry Medvedev in 2010.

“[The presidential] decree lifts the ban on transit through Russian territory, including airlift, and the export from the Russian Federation to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and also the transfer to the Islamic Republic of Iran outside the territory of the Russian Federation, both by sea and by air, of air defense missile systems S-300,” says the information note accompanying the document, RIA Novosti reported.

The decree enters into force upon the president’s signature.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented on the decision, saying that Moscow’s voluntary embargo on S-300 deliveries was no longer necessary, due to the progress in Iran’s nuclear talks made in Lausanne on April 2.

During the talks in Switzerland, the P5+1 group have made “substantial progress in resolving the Iranian nuclear program,” Lavrov said. “The political framework of the final deal agreed upon was highly praised by the international community.”

He added: “We believe that at this stage there is no longer need for this kind of embargo – from the Russian side it was unilateral and voluntary.”

The foreign minister also said: “Meanwhile, a modern air defense system is now very relevant to Iran, especially taking into account the severe escalation of tensions in neighboring areas and especially the rapid development of military activity in Yemen in recent weeks.”

Lavrov added that the S-300 is an air defense missile system, which is of a purely defensive nature. It is not designed for attacks and “will not put at risk the security of any state in the region, including Israel,”he said.

Iran’s defense minister said on Monday that Russia’s decision will boost cooperation with Moscow and could help regional stability.

US Secretary of State John Kerry raised concerns with Lavrov over Russia’s decision, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Monday. He added that Russia’s decision to start an oil-for-goods swap could also raise sanctions concerns.

Commenting on Russia’s move, US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said on Monday that US officials do not think this would affect the major powers’ unity in ongoing nuclear talks. She added that Russian deliveries of the S-300 would not violate Iranian sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council.

Israel has denounced Russia’s decision to lift the ban on providing S-300 missiles to Iran.

“This is a direct result of the legitimacy that Iran is receiving from the nuclear deal that is being prepared, and proof that the Iranian economic growth which follows the lifting of sanctions will be exploited for arming itself and not for the welfare of the Iranian people,” Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz said in a statement on Monday.

The contract for supplying S-300 missile systems to Iran was signed in 2007 and implied the delivery of five S-300 squadrons worth $800 million. But in 2010 the contract was put on hold due to the UN imposing sanctions on Iran.

Tehran answered with filing a nearly $4 billion lawsuit against Russia’s Rosoboron export arms dealer company to a Geneva arbitration tribunal.

The question of S-300 supply to Tehran remained unsettled for years.

After years of negotiation, in February 2015, Moscow offered Tehran the chance to buy its latest Antey-2500 anti-aircraft and ballistic missile system, instead of the older S-300 system. Iran replied that it would consider the offer.

The last time Russia supplied S-300 systems abroad was in 2010, when 15 squadrons were delivered to China.

Since then production of S-300 systems has been suspended as the main producer of the Russian air defenses, concern Almaz-Antey, has launched production of the next generation systems, S-400. China has become the first country allowed to buy S-400 systems, Rosoboronexport chief Anatoly Isaykin told the Russian media.

As of today, S-300 systems have been operable in a number of countries, including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and Vietnam. There is a valid contract to deliver S-300 systems to Syria, but it was put on hold after the beginning of the civil war in the country.

Source: www.electronicresistance.net

Type 052D (Luyang-III) Multirole Destroyer: PLAN's Prime Surface Combatant

Iran Army set to unveil new defense achievements

Commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan told reports on Sunday that an ultra-light combat vehicle and anti-aircraft gun will also be among the new military achievements that are planned to be unveiled ahead of National Army Day on April 15.

Iran tests ‘combat robot with machine gun’ at massive drills.

Pourdastan said the wheeled battle tank, which will be put display for the first time, is equipped with a 90 mm-caliber cannon and can carry four military personnel.

The armed 4×4 robot is also capable of carrying two missiles and a load of up to 600 kilograms, according to the Iranian commander.

A 23 mm-caliber anti-aircraft gun capable of penetrating bulletproof vests as well as an ultra-light tracked combat vehicle will also be among the achievements to be unveiled by the country’s Ground Forces.The Iranian commander said that the new achievements will be made available to Iran’s Defense Industry Organization for mass production.

Iran’s Arash shoulder-fired weapon was put to the test during major maneuvers code-named The Great Prophet 9 in February 2015.

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and reached self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.

Iran has repeatedly assured other countries that its military might poses no threat to other states, insisting that the country’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.

India Will Buy 36 Rafale Jets in Fly-Away Condition From France, Says PM Modi

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said India's decision to buy 36 French-made Rafale fighter jets off the shelf would infuse "minimum oxygen" into the Air Force, battling with an ageing warplane fleet. Describing the deal as "great", Mr Parrikar said that the planes would be inducted into the Air Force within a span of two years, according to the Press Trust of India.

India announced on Friday that it will buy 36 ready-to-fly Rafale fighter jets.

"It's a great decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on better terms and conditions. Procuring 36 planes for two squadrons is an extremely positive decision which was needed," Mr Parrikar told PTI.

"Indian Air Force will get minimum oxygen (relief) it required with this deal... In fact we have not purchased any major new generation aircraft in (last) 17 years," the minister said.

On Friday, PM Modi announced at a press conference in Paris that he had "asked President (Francois Hollande) to provide 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition." He said the terms and conditions of the contract have yet to be finalised and officials from both sides would work out the details.

Mr Parrikar said today that buying the planes in "fly away condition" did not mean that "we will get them tomorrow".

"It has to be designed as per India's need," he said, adding negotiations would be held over the pricing of the planes.

The original plan was for India to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or HAL in Bengaluru. Sources now say that if negotiations work out, India will buy 144 aircraft, 18 more than the original 126, ensuring that 108 jets will still be assembled at home.

For three years, the Rafale deal has been mired in extensive negotiations. Dassault has been reluctant to provide guarantees for the aircraft that are produced in India.

The Rafale was chosen in 2012 over rival offers from the United States, Europe and Russia. The original proposal for 126 fighter jets was worth at least 12 billion dollars.

First Image Of F-35C Carrying Full Load Of Weapons (Externally)

On Jan. 13, RAF Squadron Ldr. Andy Edgell flew first F-35C, the U.S. Navy’s carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter,with external GBU-12s, AIM-9Xs air-to-air missiles and the centerline gun pod.

Obviously, a radar-evading plane loses some of its stealthiness with such an external payload…

Image credit: Andy Wolfe via Lockheed Martin

Why The Holy Places Like "Mosques" Are Targeted?

Why those hellish demons are targeting the holy places, whatever its a Mosque or Tomb/Temple of other religion! Al-Qaeda gone, anti-Bashar elements failed! Now man eater demons are organized behind the form of ISIS, humiliating the religion. Would this bring any scenario in front of world people? Yes! Some analysts and critics showed evidences that ISIS is formed and propagated by the CIA-Mossad joint venture by the full fledged fueling by the Saudi King family! May be its true or not, question is that "why they (world powers) can't stop!

See the brutality below: