MADRID, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Spanish technology company Indra has joined four other multinationals to work on a maritime surveillance aircraft under development.
The aircraft is projected to enter service by the end of this year for use in maritime zones normally patrolled by coast guard vessels and medium-size helicopters, Indra said.
The companies it is joining in the venture are Tecnam, an Italian aircraft manufacturer; Selex Galileo; FLIR Systems and Airborne Technologies.
The new aircraft is based on a light, high-wing, twin-engine plane by Tecnam, the P2006T. The patrol range will be a maximum of 230 miles offshore.
Under the teaming arrangement, Indra is responsible for the aircraft's mission and communications systems. Selex Galileo, FLIR Systems and Airborne Technologies will provide various sensors and radar units and components.
"The participation of Indra, Selex Galileo, FLIR Systems and Airborne Technologies contributes knowledge and experience to this project to equip the aircraft with the necessary intelligence to engage in maritime surveillance missions," Indra said in a news release. "The systems to be implemented will allow the platform to explore areas of up to 40,000 nautical square miles each time."
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