Dassault delivers third upgraded ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft
Dassault Aviation delivered the third upgraded Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft to the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), according to a statement made on 28 April.
The aircraft was upgraded to DGA Standard 6 as a result of a contract signed in October 2013. The contract covers the modernisation of 18 aircraft in total, seven of which will be completed between 2019 and 2023.
Standard 6 configuration includes a new Thales Search Master radar with active antenna, a new navigation console and tactical display subsystem along with a new WESCAM optronic ball.
This will enable the ATL2 to support the operational capacity of the Strategic Ocean Force and the Naval Air Group of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier until 2030.
France is one of a handful of countries modernising its maritime patrol aircraft to combine enhanced detection capabilities with a range of anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and laser-guided weapons.
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