US Coast Guard receives 18th HC-144A Ocean Sentry
The 18th HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) has been delivered to the US Coast Guard by Airbus Defense and Space (D&S), the company announced on 7 October.
The aircraft will join a fleet of Ocean Sentries operating from Coast Guard Air Stations in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Mobile, Alabama, Miami, Florida; and Corpus Christi, Texas, which retired its HU-25 Guardian MPA aircraft in favour of the HC-144 in September.
Mike Cosentino, president, Airbus D&S, said: ‘Airbus D&S is dedicated to supporting the US Coast Guard’s HC-144A fleet and will provide technical engineering services and spare parts for decades to come. The ease of maintenance and low operating costs have allowed the coast guard to achieve exceptional operational effectiveness and reliability with the HC-144A.
The Ocean Sentry is based on the Airbus D&S CN235 tactical airlifter. The coast guard operates the aircraft in a broad range of maritime patrol missions, including search and rescue, homeland security and disaster response.
The US Coast Guard’s Ocean Sentry fleet recently reached 50,000 flight hours.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
