USCG transfers HC-144 Minotaur prototype
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has delivered the HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft that has served as a prototype for HC-144 Minotaur integration to the fleet at the Aviation Training Center Mobile (ATC), Alabama.
The Coast Guard ATC is a multi-mission unit, acting as the guard's aviation and capabilities development center, as well as an operational air station.
The Minotaur mission system incorporates the sensors, radar, C4I and ISR equipment that allows aircrew to collect and process surveillance information for transmission to shore and surface operators. The system is being incorporated into the USCG's fixed-wing surveillance aircraft.
The recently transferred aircraft was also the prototype for the Ocean Sentry Refresh project, through which the USCG is upgrading the flight management systems on its HC-144A aircraft. Each aircraft is redesigned as an HC-144B following the upgrades. A second HC-144B has also been outfitted with Minotaur.
The USCG will combine Minotaur and Ocean Sentry Refresh modifications into one conversion process in the fiscal year 2018.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![New Zealand's HMNZS Te Mana successfully fires first Sea Ceptor missile]()
New Zealand's HMNZS Te Mana successfully fires first Sea Ceptor missile
CMS 330 is a combat management system developed by Lockheed Martin Canada that serves as the backbone for several Canadian and Chilean ship classes and has been installed on RNZN Anzac-class frigates.
-
![Future of the South African Navy looks bleak despite new ships entering service]()
Future of the South African Navy looks bleak despite new ships entering service
The commissioning of SAS King Shaka Zulu, a Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel, into the South African Navy masks serious problems for the service as fleet availability falls dangerously low and capability atrophies.
-
![Babcock wins UK Royal Navy’s Dreadnought support contracts]()
Babcock wins UK Royal Navy’s Dreadnought support contracts
Babcock has won contracts worth more than £120 million to support the development and delivery of the Dreadnought-class submarines for the UK’s Royal Navy.
-
![Make or break: Can the European Patrol Corvette programme save shipbuilding in Europe?]()
Make or break: Can the European Patrol Corvette programme save shipbuilding in Europe?
With funding from the European Defence Fund and partner countries, the European Patrol Corvette programme has an opportunity to become the standard bearer for defence procurement and potentially offer a route forward for naval shipbuilding in Europe.
-
![Portugal contracts Damen for multi-purpose vessel designed for integrated uncrewed air and sea systems]()
Portugal contracts Damen for multi-purpose vessel designed for integrated uncrewed air and sea systems
The new ship’s primary roles will be search and rescue, emergency relief and oceanic research but will also be used for naval support operations and maritime safety.
