Star Safire ordered for USCG HC-144
FLIR Systems will supply eight Star Safire 380HD electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) sensors for the US Coast Guard’s (USCG’s) HC-144 Ocean Sentry surveillance aircraft, the USCG announced on 16 May. The order has a value of around $6 million.
The EO/IR sensors will improve the aircraft’s detection and identification capabilities. The units are compatible with Minotaur mission system architecture and will increase commonality among the coast guard’s fixed wing platforms, including the C-27J Spartan medium range surveillance aircraft and HC-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft.
The first unit for the HC-144 acquisition was delivered in April, with delivery of the remaining units planned by the end of 2017.
The HC-144 Ocean Sentry turboprop aircraft has an endurance of over 10 hours and an extensive sensor capability that helps the coast guard fulfill its maritime patrol, drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response and search and rescue missions more effectively.
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