EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EADS_HC-144_Ocean_Sentry

The EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry is a medium-range, twin-engined turboprop aircraft
used by the United States Coast Guard in the search-and-rescue and maritime
patrol missions. Based on the Airbus Military CN-235 it was procured as a
"Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft." The HC-144 is supplied by Airbus Group,
Inc formerly EADS North America and is built in Spain by Airbus Military.

Intended to replace the Dassault HU-25 Guardian jet, 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.

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 takeoff and landing capability.

The HC-144A uses electronic systems on the Mission System Pallet roll-on,
roll-off electronics suite from Lockheed Martin, that connects to the aircraft's
systems upon installation. The HC-144A's equipment is similar to the Coast
Guard's HC-130 aircraft, which reduces maintenance and training costs.


Role
Search-and-rescue aircraft

National origin
Spain

Manufacturer
Airbus Military (prime contractor EADS North America)

Introduction
2009

Status
In active service

Primary user
United States Coast Guard

Number built
18

Developed from
COMRADES: CASA / IPTN CN-235

The first HC-144 was delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard in December 2006. Initial
Operational Capability (IOC) was achieved in April 2009; thirteen Ocean Sentry
aircraft were operational with the Coast Guard in January 2011. A total of 36
aircraft were planned to be procured, with twelve Mission System Pallets being
swapped between the operational aircraft.

The HC-144A has been involved in several missions during its career, including
involvement in the Marquis Cooper search-and-rescue mission, the response to the
2010 Haiti earthquake, environmental missions monitoring the Deepwater Horizon
oil spill, transporting endangered marine animals for rehabilitation, and being
involved with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. In June 2014, the Coast Guard's
fleet of 17 HC-144s reached 50,000 flight hours, five years after achieving IOC.
The Ocean Sentry is flown more hours per airframe in a year than any other Coast
Guard aircraft.

The 15th HC-144 was delivered in June 2013. The Coast Guard was considering
supplementing the HC-144 with former Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft. Budget
strains have caused the service to reconsider acquiring a 36-plane fleet.
Cancelling the remaining 18 to be manufactured and replacing them with up to 14
decommissioned C-27Js would save between $500–$800 million. Converting the
Spartans to search-and-rescue aircraft would be faster and cheaper than funding
and delivery of the full order. EADS responded by stating that the HC-144 is
half as expensive to maintain and operate compared to the C-27J in terms of
direct maintenance and fuel costs, calling into question the idea as a
cost-saving measure. With the signing of the U.S. Defense Authorization Bill for
Fiscal Year 2014 on 26 December 2013, the Coast Guard was given control of the
14 remaining C-27Js available. The 16th HC-144 was delivered on 22 January 2014,
the 17th on 7 April 2014, and the 18th and final HC-144A was delivered on 7
October 2014.

Specifications

General characteristics
Crew: six
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




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