Tecnam is adding to its P2012 aircraft series with the P2012 Special Mission, featuring a Continental engine option, and a short takeoff and landing (STOL) variant. These new models reinforce the OEM's commitment to providing a varied yet versatile offer to special mission customers worldwide.

The P2012 Special Mission builds on the success of the P2012 platform, offering flexibility for a variety of applications, including aerial surveillance, border patrol, medevac, terrain mapping, geo mapping, skydiving, cargo transport and more customised configurations. Operators now have the choice between two engine options: the previously existing Lycoming TEO-540-C1A and the lately introduced Continental GT-SIO-520S, ensuring optimal performance for specific mission requirements.

Designed for operations in the most challenging environments and widening the offer for Tecnam's special mission customers worldwide, with the new engine option, now all the three variants of the aircraft (Traveller Lycoming, Traveller Continental and STOL Continental), can be declined as a special mission platform aircraft. The P2012 Traveller Continental SMP brings back the ‘classic’ piston engine management, granting added range, endurance and an intuitive engine layout, while the P2012 STOL Continental SMP variant also adds exceptional takeoff and landing performance on short and unprepared runways with its extended 16.6-metre wingspan and enhanced lift devices, thus significantly reducing the required runway length and simultaneously reducing minimum mission speed for a better persistence on its target.

Tecnam's Sentinel SMP variant takes special mission aviation to new heights, offering a fully customisable, cost-effective ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) solution with multi-mission capability. The standard aircraft configuration is two pilots (single pilot certified) and up to five operators/observers/mission commanders.

It is equipped with dual sensor hatches, a fully integrated mission power box, a fully certified operator console system capable of supporting up to three mission operators in addition to pilots, a certified equipment rack, dedicated GPS/GLONASS antennas for mission-specific avionics and connectivity solutions, an advanced avionics suite with an eight-inch pilot's mission monitor for enhanced operational awareness, and multi-role versatility, enabling quick conversion to cargo, medevac, skydiving and combi configurations. Its maximum endurance is in excess of eight hours.

Both the Traveller and STOL Continental Special Mission variants are equipped with the latest Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite and GFC-700 autopilot, ensuring ease of operation and enhanced situational awareness. The spacious nine-11 seat cabin, state-of-the-art air conditioning and advanced noise-reduction systems provide superior comfort for both crew and passengers.

With its multi-mission capabilities, robust airframe and cost-efficient operation, the P2012 continues to set new industry benchmarks. The latest additions to the P2012 series offer a future-ready solution for commercial, government and special operations worldwide.

“The P2012 Special Mission and STOL variants reflect Tecnam's ongoing commitment to innovation and versatility,” states Giovanni Pascale Langer, managing director of Tecnam. “By offering both Lycoming and Continental engine options and enhancing short-field performance, we are ensuring that our customers have the most efficient, adaptable and capable aircraft for their mission needs.”

Francesco Sferra, P2012 and special mission platforms sales and business development manager at Tecnam, adds: “In the context of growing demand for capable and safe, yet affordable and cost-efficient special mission platforms, Tecnam has made another innovative step by adding two further variants to its SMP aircraft inventory. The P2012 Continental SMP and the P2012 STOL SMP provide increased range and endurance, simplified management and maintenance, lower operating costs while also granting access to the most extreme and demanding landing strips in the world. The newly introduced special mission platform variants cover a broad spectrum of special missions, while positioned closer to their operational area and with increased persistence on target."