'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.

FMI: www.eadsnorthamerica.com, www.uscg.mil