Tecnam has rolled out the special mnission version of its P2012 aircraft, dubbed the Sentinel.

Based on the P2012 Traveller, it provides a combination of cutting-edge technology and efficiency with its unique Italian-style design. Its colour scheme of air-superiority grey, with black vertical fin and a dedicated logo, immediately recalls the aircraft's vocation: being the earth's Sentinel from the sky, the company says.

"The P2012 Sentinel SMP is the ultimate Tecnam Special Mission Platform aircraft, without compromises on any front," the company says. "With it, Tecnam has elevated the already world-renowned P2006T to the next level, thanks to a more capable and advanced surveillance platform for short and medium-range operations. The continuous investment in R&D, and the passion and attention to detail of the Tecnam engineers, have made it possible to reach such a high level of tech without having to settle on a cost-effective solution. The result is a truly unique combo in the Special Mission Platform market."

The P2012 Sentinel SMP, compared to the P2006T Twin SMP, integrates higher payloads, additional operator and observer stations and new capabilities, including approval for FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing), while simultaneously preserving the recognized Tecnam efficiency in mission accomplishment.

A Tecnam Sentinel equipped with full mission equipment, at its maximum takeoff weight of 3,680 kg, will provide up to nine hours' endurance for up to six 90kg crew members, sensor operators and observers.

The P2012 twin-engine design guarantees an exhaust-free field of view to the sensors, granting increased accuracy and "noise-free" operations. Moreover, the hatches' position under the fuselage ensures a carbon-monoxide-free cabin that will enhance the safety of the crew members (one or two pilots and up to nine mission operators).

Following the P2012 SMP roll-out, Tecnam foresees an increasing demand in the Special Mission Platform market. The Sentinel's increased capabilities and superior efficiency in its role, coupled with its competitive entry price and operating costs, will allow the operator to perform the mission with results that were previously relegated only to higher-class platforms, and at costs that are just a fraction of those.

The Sentinel is said to benefit from the Tecnam "dream" concept: an aircraft built and designed for durability, reliability, employability, affordability and manageability.

Tecnam has anticipated the growing desire for versatility: the P2012 Sentinel SMP can be equipped, upon customer's request, with a quick-conversion kit that transforms it from Special Mission Platform to airline version, providing up to 11 seats and the consolidated P2012 Traveller transport capabilities.

Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam Managing Director, says: "Tecnam is very proud to expand the Special Mission Platform offer with a high-performance but still cost-efficient solution to the market. Here at Tecnam, we all recognize the importance of providing a high-capability platform that will allow our customers to perform aerial surveys and mapping as well as protect borders, save lives, and detect criminal operations. Our effort has been focused on the development of a system with higher-class capabilities at a fraction of their acquisition price, making such vital services accessible to those countries and operators that simply couldn't afford them before."