Alenia Brings Three Turboprop Twins to Singapore

In a mix of color schemes -- ranging from drab, military gray to Bangkok Air's bright, fuselage-long depiction of sea, sand and palm trees-three Italian turboprop twins in the static display illustrate the expertise of the Italian aircraft industry admittedly, with a little help from its friends.

Developed from the original G222 tactical freighter with the assistance of Lockheed Martin, the C-27J is now accepting orders, having completed its civil certification last June and passed military trials in December. A lighter complement to the C-130J Hercules, the C-27J borrows from its companion with regard to engines, propellers and flight deck systems.

The Italian Air Force is in the process of buying 12, while Greece (15) and Brazil (12) are thinking about doing the same. Switzerland is reportedly interested, having previously selected the rival EADS CASA C-295.

ATR regional airliners, a Franco-Italian venture, had a good year in 2001, maintaining its sales in spite of adversity elsewhere in the industry. The long-fuselage ATR 72 illustrates the regular airline version with nominal seating for 72 passengers, but the shorter ATR 42MP on display is a specific derivative of the 42-seater developed independently by Alenia.

A ventral radome and infra-red sensor turret, plus fuselage pylons for a variety of additional sensors or weapons, indicate that the 42MP is a maritime patrol version of possible interest to several Asian countries with long coastlines to protect. India, for one, is reported to be a potential customer.

The ATR 42MP on show is the first of two for the Italian Coast Guard, delivered last May, as a follow on to a couple of similar machines supplied to the sizable air arm of the Italian Customs.

By Paul Jackson