USCG to transform CN235 prototype aircraft to HC-144A maintenance training unit

EADS North America has delivered prototype CN235 aircraft to the US Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center, which plans to transform it into an HC-144A maintenance training unit.

As part of the transformation, the prototype CN235 will be configured with built-in faults, to help train maintenance personnel in identifying problems that occur on an actual HC-144 aircraft.

EADS North America chairman and CEO Sean O’Keefe said, "It is very satisfying to see this airframe being used as an integral part of the HC-144A program."

Currently, the USCG Aviation Technical Training Center has similar training initiatives for other fleet aircraft such as the Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.

About 14 HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft are in service with the USCG air stations in Massachusetts, Alabama and Miami, US, and is due to receive four additional aircraft in 2013 and 2014.

Based on the Airbus Military CN235 tactical airlifter, the Ocean Sentry aircraft is capable of remaining airborne for more than ten hours.

The aircraft can support a wide range of maritime patrol missions such as drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response, and search and rescue missions for the Coast Guard.

Initial operational capability of the HC-144A aircraft was achieved with the Coast Guard in 2008.

More than 230 Airbus Military CN235 tactical airlifter helicopters are currently operating with several armed forces across the globe.