The EADS North America HC-144 Ocean Sentry is a medium-ranged, twin-engined aircraft used by the United States Coast Guard in the search-and-rescue and maritime patrol missions. Also known as the Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft, the HC-144 is manufactured by Airbus Military (formerly EADS CASA), and is based on the company's CN-235 transport.
Design and Development [edit]
Intended to replace the Dassault HU-25 Guardian jet,[1] the HC-144A Ocean Sentry is part of the Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater System Program of recapitalization and new-asset acquisition. Based on the CN-235-300 MP Persuader, the maritime patrol version of the CN-235 military transport, the HC-144 offers a longer endurance than the HU-25 it is replacing in U.S. Coast Guard service, as well as better performance in the low-level observation role.[1]
The HC-144A has an eight-hour endurance, which makes it suited for the command and control and search and rescue roles. Its rear ramp provides for transport of standard cargo pallets. It also features short take-off and landing capability.
Systems [edit]
The HC-144A uses electronic systems on the Mission System Pallet roll-on, roll-off electronics suite from Lockheed Martin,[2] that connects to the aircraft's systems upon installation.[1] The HC-144A's equipment is similar to the Coast Guard's HC-130 aircraft, which reduces maintenance and training costs.[1]
Operational History [edit]
The first HC-144 was delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard in December 2006.[1] Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was achieved in April 2009;[2] thirteen Ocean Sentry aircraft are operational with the Coast Guard in January 2011.[3] A total of 36 aircraft are planned to be procured, with twelve Mission System Pallets being swapped between the operational aircraft.[2]
The HC-144A has been involved in several missions during its career to date, including involvement in the Marquis Cooper search-and-rescue mission,[4] the response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake,[5] environmental missions monitoring the Deepwater Horizon oil spill,[5] and transporting endangered marine animals for rehabilitation.[6]
Specifications [edit]
Data from [7]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 70 ft 3 in (21.41 m)
- Wingspan: 84 ft 8 in (25.81 m)
- Height: 26 ft 10 in (8.18 m)
- Wing area: 636 sq ft (59.1 m2)
- Empty weight: 21,605 lb (9,800 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 36,380 lb (16,502 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × General Electric CT7 turboprop, 1,870 shp (1,390 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 272 mph; 437 km/h (236 kn)
- Range: 1,801 mi; 2,898 km (1,565 nmi)
- Endurance: 8.7 hours
See also [edit]
- Related development
References [edit]
External links [edit]
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