Marshall to provide engineering services on Aerodata's ATR-72 programme
Above:
Hans Stahl (left), CEO of Aerodata and Steve Fitz-Gerald, CEO of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, sign a contract under which Marshall will provide Special Mission role conversion engineering services in relation to Aerodata’s ATR-72 modification programme.
The services will include the design, manufacture and certification of equipment to support the conversion of two Alenia Aermacchi ATR-72 500s into maritime surveillance aircraft; which are scheduled to enter the Navy service of one of Aerodata’s customers in 2018 and 2019.
The role conversion modifications include the installation of radar, camera and self-protection equipment, as well as stores pylons. Marshall will be responsible for the engineering of kits, fixtures and fittings to support the integration and certification of this equipment.
Steve Fitz-Gerald, CEO of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, comments: “During our 90-plus-year aerospace history we have worked on more than 30 different platforms, including Airbus 318, Boeing P-8, C-130, Tristar and VC-10 – making us an extremely experienced Special Mission partner. We are pleased to be supporting Aerodata in delivering the mission capability requirements of its customer.”
Marshall’s project responsibilities will be performed at its Cambridge headquarters, where it has a team of more than 2,000 highly trained personnel and access to an extensive range of engineering and test facilities. Moreover, Marshall has a proven track record of managing all of the aerodynamic, structural, avionic, electrical and overall performance implications that arise during Special Mission conversions.
A team of engineers from Marshall will visit Aerodata’s facilities in Brauschwig, Germany, during the installation phase of the two-aircraft programme. In addition, there is the longer-term prospect of converting a further two aircraft.