Piaggio Aero MPA to feature Telephonics RDR-1700B radar

Saab has selected Telephonics’ RDR-1700B radar in support of Piaggio Aero’s extended wing maritime patrol aircraft (MPA).

Under the contract, Telephonics will deliver RDR-1700B radar maritime surveillance and imaging radar for installation onto MPA mission systems, designed to support airborne patrols missions over land and sea.

Telephonics chief operating officer Kevin McSweeney said, "The diversity of the RDR-1700B enables it to be more than a maritime radar, it can easily switch to overland or littoral surveillance, providing consistent situational awareness for operators of the Piaggio Aero MPA."

Saab had signed an agreement with Piaggio Aero in early 2013 to deliver surveillance systems for its new surveillance aircraft.

Under the terms of the accord, Saab will also integrate a package of advanced surveillance equipment which includes sensors, radar, infra-red cameras and a mission system.

The RDR-1700B radar will support the aircraft missions including airborne maritime patrol, search and rescue functionality, economic exclusion zone patrol, fisheries protection, and integrated automatic identification system.

Designed for use on manned and unmanned rotary and fixedwing aircraft, the RDR-1700B X-Band search radar also enables the operator to search, detect, and track multiple targets over water during surveillance missions.

Capable of cruising at a speed of 350K, the MPA will have an endurance of more than 10 flight hours and a maximum range of 3,300nm.