Wed, Nov 19, 2008
'Ocean Sentry' Based On CN-235 Transport
The US Coast Guard recently accepted
its 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 US homeland security and
defense," said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., 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.
EADS notes 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 US
Air Force pilot from the Gulf of Mexico, during which it served as
an on-scene SAR coordinator platform.
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. US customer
support for these aircraft is provided at EADS North America's
facility at Mobile Regional Airport in Alabama.
More News
Also: B-29 Superfortress Reunion, FAA Wants Controllers, Spirit Airlines Pulls Back, Gogo Galileo Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganiz>[...]
Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]
Aircraft Conflict Predicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted minimum separation is 5 na>[...]