EADS Delivers Sixth HC-144A MPA to US Coast Guard

EADS Delivers Sixth HC-144A MPA to US Coast Guard

(NSI News Source Info) ARLINGTON, VA - November 20, 2008: The U.S. Coast Guard has accepted the sixth HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft platform from EADS. This new medium-range surveillance maritime patrol platform significantly enhances the mission execution capability of Coast Guard aircrews.

The latest Ocean Sentry is among eight HC-144As ordered to date as part of the Coast Guard's Deepwater program. The Coast Guard plans to purchase up to 36 total aircraft.

"As demonstrated by this latest HC-144A platform delivery, EADS continues to meet -- and exceed -- its commitments in supplying the most capable aircraft and systems for U.S. homeland security and defense," said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., the chairman and CEO of EADS North America. "The Ocean Sentry is the first all-new aircraft developed in the Deepwater effort, and it offers a significant increase in capabilities and interoperability for Coast Guard crews."

The Coast Guard will use its HC-144As for a wide variety of missions, including Homeland Security Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Environmental Protection, National Defense, international ice patrol missions, and the enforcement of laws and treaties including illegal drug interdiction and the enforcement of domestic and international fisheries laws. In addition, the aircraft's large cargo bay and rear loading ramp allow the Ocean Sentry to perform multi-role transport missions.

The HC-144A already has demonstrated its capabilities as a search and rescue system. During a training mission in February, an HC-144A played a key role in recovering a downed U.S. Air Force pilot from the Gulf of Mexico, during which it served as an on-scene SAR coordinator platform.

Contributing to the Ocean Sentry success in this operational mission were the aircrew's enhanced situational awareness with the HC-144A's Flight Management System, the improved visibility from its bubble search windows, and the use of an on-board Automatic Identification System (AIS) that allows the aircrew to identify and then coordinate with civilian vessels -- including the fishing boat that subsequently was vectored to pick up the downed airman.

The HC-144A aircraft platform is based on EADS CASA's CN-235 transport, which is part of a family of twin-engine multi-role airlifters that also includes the C-295 and C-212. U.S. customer support for these aircraft is provided at EADS North America's facility at Mobile Regional Airport in Alabama. The Mobile site is supporting the HC-144A program by providing technical assistance on the Ocean Sentry's airframe and mission systems; supplying spare parts and related services; delivering specialized ground support equipment; and developing computer-based training programs for Coast Guard personnel.

EADS North America is the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $10 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 190,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.