The US Coast Guard is adding to its fleet of Airbus Military CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft with an order for three.
The USCG already has 10 CN-235s in operation, dubbed HC-144A Ocean Sentry by the service, with an eleventh due to be delivered later this year. It also holds options for up to six more and has plans for a total of 36. The latest order, placed through EADS North America, is worth $117 million. Deliveries are due from 2011.
The new HC-144As will have search radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, automatic identification system (AIS) and a communications suite.
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AIS automatically broadcasts details of the ship on which it is installed, such as its name, course and speed, to nearby ships or to other platforms equipped with the system.
The HC-144A is replacing the coastguard's fleet of ageing Dassault HU-25 Guardian Falcon jets.
Source: Flight International
