Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. has delivered the 17th HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Ocean Sentry is based on the Airbus CN235 tactical airlifter with more than 235 currently in operation by 29 countries. This is the second of three HC-144A’s planned for delivery this year.
The latest aircraft will join a fleet of 16 Ocean Sentries operating from Coast Guard Air Stations in Cape Cod, Mass., Mobile, Ala., and Miami. The Coast Guard is planning to stand up the fourth HC-144A air station in Corpus Christi, Texas, later this year.
Airbus Defense and Space is committed to supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s HC-144A fleet. Over time, the aircraft has proven to be a cost effective and operationally indispensable maritime patrol asset. The Coast Guard competitively selected and is buying the HC-144A because it has proven to perform the broad range of demanding maritime patrol missions effectively and efficiently, including search and rescue, homeland security and disaster response.
The Department of Homeland Security recently recognized the Coast Guard’s HC-144A program as its 2013 DHS Project of the Year. Airbus Defense and Space has worked to deliver the Coast Guard this capability consistently on schedule and on cost. The HC-144A achieved initial operational capability with the Coast Guard in 2008.
Source / Author: Airbus Defense and Space
Photo: Airbus Defense and Space / HC-144A number 16