Developed as a part of Project EXCALIBUR, the XAD82-CAS Petrel was developed as a dedicated close-air-support gunship to supplement the then-aging Sparrowhawk gunships. It shared a frame with the D77-TC Pelican to maximise intercompatability of parts and equipments, but was different in a number of ways. Though capable enough, it was ultimately decided that producing another gunship was not worth the cost, and funds were diverted to up-armour the existing fleet of Hawks and Pelicans.