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.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
![First made-in-Finland US Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutter to be delivered in 2028]()
First made-in-Finland US Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutter to be delivered in 2028
The first Arctic Security Cutter will be built by Rauma Marine Constructions to be deployed in the US Arctic waters.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
