The first of three F 406 maritime surveillance aircraft ordered by the Greek Coast Guards was handed over to Mr Zacharopoulos, pilot for the Greek Merchant Navy Quality Assurance, by JP Chaufour, ceo of Reims Aviation, at a ceremony held at the company’s premises.

After a series of tests on the ground and in the air, required by the complexity of the systems installed, the first aircraft has been certified and accepted by the customer.

The mission equipment includes a nose mounted FLIR turret, a 360 degree belly-mounted search radar, an infrared/ultraviolet scanner and an SLAR antenna fitted in the rear cone.

Installed together for the first time on an aircraft of this category, this equipment allows maritime surveillance, rescue and maritime pollution monitoring operations to be combined.

The three aircraft are also to be delivered with a cabin trim that includes overall weight reduction, longevity of materials used, simplified assembly and stripping, enhanced thermal insulation and soundproofing.

Training of the first pilots and operators is in progress at Reims Aviation’s premises. In total, 18 persons will be trained.