Initial two P-72Bs delivered to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza
The first two of four P-72Bs ordered by Italy’s Guardia di Finanza (GdF, Financial Guard) were handed over during an official ceremony at Leonardo’s Caselle Torinese facility on November 27.
GDF-20’, the first P-72B for the GdF – still wearing the experimental registration CSX62311 – has been repainted in this new colour scheme, with the guard’s gri in logo on the tail. (Photo by Leonardo)
Deliveries of the maritime patrol aircraft, based on the ATR 72-600, will be completed by 2022.
An initial order for a single P-72B – worth around €44m – was placed in July 2018 and was followed last October 9 by another deal for three aircraft, valued at over €150m, plus logistic support services; see also Three more ATR 72MPs for Guardia di Finanza, December 2019, p14.
The GdF’s P-72B is a paramilitary version of the P-72A operated by the Italian Air Force and is equipped with the same Leonardo Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) mission system. However, the second aircraft appears to be in a transport configuration.
Source: AirForces Monthly -30 January 2020
Lucciano Malke (XAirForces Defense Aviation and New Technologies Editor from Italy / Switzerland)
luccianomalke@gmail.com – Twitter.com/LuccianoMalke – Facebook.com/lucciano.malke
