HC-144A Ocean Sentry (EADS Casa-235)

Design and Development


Intended to replace the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] jet, the HC-144A Ocean Sentry is part of the Coast Guard's [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] of [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] and new-asset acquisition.

Based on the [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], 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.

The HC-144A’s 10.7-hour endurance makes it an effective command and control and search platform.

Its rear ramp provides the ability to transport standard pallets, and short take-off and landing capabilities make it an excellent disaster response aircraft.

The HC-144A also has the ability to rapidly transport Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Teams, Port Security units and Anti-Terrorism units when and where they are needed.

Systems

The HC-144A utilises the Mission System Pallet concept for its electronic systems.

This comprises a roll-on, roll-off electronics suite, manufactured by [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], that connects to the aircraft's systems upon installation.

The HC-144A's equipment is similar to that installed on the Coast Guard's HC-130 aircraft, reducing maintenance and training costs.

With multiple voice and data communications capabilities, including UHF/VHF, HF, and Commercial Satellite Communications (SATCOM), the HC-144A will be able to contribute to a Common Tactical Picture (CTP) and Common Operating Picture (COP) through a networked Command and Control (C2) system that provides for data sharing via SATCOM.

The aircraft is also equipped with a vessel Automatic Identification System, direction finding equipment, a surface search radar, an Electro-Optical/ Infra-Red system, and Electronic Surveillance Measures equipment to improve situational awareness and responsiveness.

With all assets in a given area sharing this common operational picture on their display screens, it will be easier for commanders to more efficiently use their forces - that means cutters and aircraft can be directed to act more effectively and cooperatively on rescue, law enforcement and defense missions.

Sharing up-to-date information will help cut out a lot of the 'search' out of search & rescue, and will narrow efforts
down to just those contacts of interest on law enforcement missions.

The mission package is one of several confi gurations of the aircraft.

The modularity of the HC-144A allows it to be reconfi gured for a variety of missions, while retaining at least minimum functionality with the aircraft's sensors.

The aircraft's cargo compartment can be changed from the MSP and crew rest area to three cargo pallets with as much as 9,985 lbs. of materiel; or 40 passengers in troop seats; or 20 passengers in airline seats; or 12 litter patients and three attendants for medical evacuation operations.