Image source: topwar.ru
The French press writes that the French Navy has received the final (18th) contracted Atlantique 2 (ATL2) patrol aircraft. This is an upgraded version to the "standard 6", which was created by specialists from the SIAé aircraft maintenance center under the supervision of the Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) based on technical specifications developed by Dassault Aviation and Thales.
According to the plan, these aircraft will be operated in the French Navy until 2030. The delivery of the first such aircraft (in the basic, unmodernized version) took place in 2019.
DGA Press Release:
Characteristics of ATL2:
The wingspan is 37 meters.,
length – 32 meters,
height – 11 meters,
The maximum take–off weight is 46 tons.,
The maximum mass without fuel is 32.5 tons.,
The maximum speed is about 600 km/h.,
Ceiling – 30,000 ft (about 9.1 km),
The flight range is 12 hours / about 5,500 km.
What was the upgrade to "Standard 6"?
This is the new Thales Searchmaster radar with AFAR, a new acoustic subsystem from Thales: it collects and processes signals from the latest generation of sonar buoys to detect submarines. It is also a new navigation console from Dassault Aviation. New consoles for the tactical display subsystem, developed by SIAé.
Photos are published with the very new consoles on board the Atlantique 2:
Image source: topwar.ru
The upgrade is said to enhance ATL2's capabilities to support Strategic Oceanic Forces (a fleet of ballistic missile submarines), counter modern threats (nuclear or conventional submarines), and support air-to-ground operations.
At the same time, all 18 ATL2 aircraft are stationed at the Lannes-Biue naval air Base in Brittany. It is also the Lorient-South Brittany Airport. One of the sites with a hangar (47.769780, -3.428413):
Image source: topwar.ru
All on the same base...
