| HC-144 Ocean Sentry | |
|---|---|
| Role | Search-and-rescue aircraft |
| Manufacturer | EADS CASA Airbus Military |
| Introduction | December 2006 |
| Status | Operational |
| Primary user | United States Coast Guard |
| Number built | 12 |
| Developed from | CASA/IPTN CN-235 |
The EADS CASA HC-144 Ocean Sentry is a medium-ranged, twin-engined aircraft used by the United States Coast Guard in the search-and-rescue and maritime patrol missions. Also known as the Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft, the HC-144 is manufactured by EADS CASA (now Airbus Military), and is based on the company's CN-235 transport.
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Intended to replace the Dassault HU-25 Guardian jet,[1] the HC-144A Ocean Sentry is part of the Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater System Program of recapitalization and new-asset acquisition. Based on the CN-235-300 MP Persuader, the maritime patrol version of the CN-235 military transport, the HC-144 offers a longer endurance than the HU-25 it is replacing in U.S. Coast Guard service, as well as better performance in the low-level observation role.[1]
The HC-144A utilises the Mission System Pallet concept for its electronic systems. This comprises a roll-on, roll-off electronics suite, manufactured by Lockheed Martin,[2] that connects to the aircraft's systems upon installation.[1] The HC-144A's equipment is similar to that installed on the Coast Guard's HC-130 aircraft, reducing maintenance and training costs.[1]
Delivery of the first HC-144 aircraft to the U.S. Coast Guard took place in December 2006.[1] Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was achieved in April 2009;[2] eleven Ocean Sentry aircraft are currently operational with the Coast Guard.[3] A total of thirty-six aircraft are anticipated to be acquired by the end of procurement, with twelve Mission System Pallets being swapped between the operational aircraft.[2]
The HC-144A has been involved in several missions during its brief career to date, including involvement in the Marquis Cooper search-and-rescue mission,[4] the response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake,[5] environmental missions monitoring the Deepwater Horizon oil spill,[5] and transporting endangered marine animals for rehabilitation.[6]
Data from [7]
General characteristics
Performance
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