USCG receives 17th HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft

The US Coast Guard has received 17th HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft from Airbus Defense and Space.

The delivery follows the previously awarded contract in August 2010 to EADS for the supply of HC-144A aircraft to replace its aging fleet of Dassault-built HU-25 Guardian aircraft fleet.

Based on the Airbus Military CN235 tactical airlifter, the Ocean Sentry features sensors to support missions, such as search and rescue, drug and migrant interdiction, cargo and personnel transport, intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance, and disaster relief.

The 17th Ocean Sentry will join the other Ocean Sentries which are currently in service with the Coast Guard,which perform a range of different roles from Coast Guard Air Stations in Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Mobile, Alabama; and Miami, US.

The Coast Guard is planning to launch the fourth HC- 144A air station in Corpus Christi, Texas, later in 2014.

The HC-144A features tactical mission system which integrates a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, daylight CCD camera and daylight spotter scope installed on the chin-mounted turret of the aircraft.

Powered by two General Electric CT7-9C3 turboprop engines, the aircraft is also equipped with airborne automatic identification system, DF-430 multi-mission direction finder and electronic support measures.