The French Maritime Patrol Plane Capable Of Flying For 18 Hours – SlashGear

The Atlantic was developed with anti-submarine operations at the forefront. In the 1950s, the Soviet Union was working to develop nuclear submarine technology, bolstering the need for NATO states to invest in similar developments. The real threat of a nuclear sub is in its mission range. The most advanced nuclear submarines of the modern age are able to remain submerged continuously for as many as 25 years! The U.K., for instance, now utilizes BAE Systems’ Astute-class vessels, “the quietest submarine in the world,” reports Wired. 

Putting two and two together here showcases the dynamic threat that nuclear-powered submarines pose. They are able to sneak up to enemy coastlines and intercept communications, collect ship movement data, or even fire munitions against a target city within extreme proximity without being detected until it’s too late.

The Bréguet Br 1150 Atlantic was developed to counter this evolving threat. It carries a variety of offensive weapons systems, as well as detection equipment. The Atlantic is outfitted with a sonobuoys and a radar scanner in a retractable radome under the fuselage. It also sports a magnetic anomaly detector in the aft, tail section of the vessel. The French Atlantic ATL2 updated models were outfitted with additional sensing equipment, including a digital acoustic processing system and a Searchmaster system.