Maritime patrol aircraft

Military aircraft designed to reconnoiter oceans and other bodies of water

A Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), also known as a patrol aircraft, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, maritime surveillance aircraft, or by the older American term patrol bomber, is a fixed-wing aircraft designed to operate for long durations over water in maritime patrol roles — in particular Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW or ASUW), and Search and Rescue (SAR). In addition to dedicated airframes, mid-size and large business jets have been modified for MPA missions, offering rapid deployment, extended range, long endurance, and lower life-cycle costs. Among other maritime surveillance resources, such as satellites, ships, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters, the MPA is an important asset.

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