Airbus A321 MPA: The A321XLR-based Maritime Patrol Aircraft is on the cards
The Airbus A321 MPA is the militarized variant of the popular A321XLR designed for maritime reconnaissance and surveillance by defence forces. The MPA programme is scheduled to enter production at the end of 2026.
Airbus is currently working a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) programme based on the A321 platform. The Defence Procurement Agency of France has signed a contract with the company’s defence division for a risk-assessment study of the A321 MPA for the country’s navy requirements. The 24-month contract will prep the manufacturer for the development and production launch of the said aircraft by the end of next year.
Back in the end of 2022, the architecture and feasibility study for a maritime patrol aircraft was launched. The plan is to replace its aging fleet of Atlantique 2 (ATL2), manufactured by Dasault Aviation specially for the French Navy in the 1980s, with the Airbus A321 MPA by 2030-2040 time period.
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The latest study will carry forward the initial results of the previous study towards further refinement. It will also guide Airbus in choosing the equipment to be integrated into the aircraft and carry out the wind-tunnel test for the first time.
According to the company, the A321 MPA is a militarized iteration of the newly-launched A321XLR. It is primarily designed for the anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare of low to high intensity and intelligence gathering, as required by the French Navy. The ‘XLR’ advantages translates into long-range capabilities and a large cargo bay for the MPA.
Further, the patrol aircraft will have high-manoeuvrability, including at low altitude, Airbus notes. The MPA will boast a host of sensors and equipment. This includes the latest-generation radar with active antennas, an acoustic system using passive and active sonar buoys, magnetic anomaly detection (MAD), satellite communication, and self-protection systems.
For warfare requirements, the A321 MPA will be loaded with optical warfare systems, and weapon systems for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, including the future anti-ship missile (FMAN) and torpedoes.
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The Airbus A321 MPA programme banks on the high reliability and low-cost advantages of the popular A320 family. The manufacturer is already known for its success and expertise in utilizing commercial aircraft platforms for military requirements. Case in point is the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which now commands the global market.
