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MRS: Project Description
The HC-144A Ocean Sentry is the first all-new aircraft delivered to the Coast Guard as part of its recapitalization program. The HC-144A is based on the highly successful CASA CN-235 military airplane, already in use around the world as a patrol, surveillance and transport platform. The HC-144A will replace the Coast Guard's aging fleet of HU-25 Falcon jets as the service's medium range surveillance aircraft.
Capability
Endurance
The HC-144A is capable of remaining airborne much longer than the legacy HU-25 Falcon jet. Taking into consideration factors such as total weight, the HC-144A can remain airborne in excess of nine hours versus four hours maximum for the HU-25 Falcon. Greater endurance allows the aircrew to remain on-scene longer, collect more information, support other assets, and track targets for longer periods of time.
Mission Pallet
The HC-144A’s Mission System Pallet (MSP) is a roll-on, roll-off suite of electronic equipment that collects, compiles, interprets and disseminates data from the aircraft's multiple integrated sensors to transmit and receive both classified and unclassified information from other assets including other aircraft, surface vessels and shore facilities. With multiple voice and data communications capabilities, as well as satellite communications, the HC-144A will contribute, via a networked Command and Control system, to the Common Tactical Picture and Common Operating Picture. The aircraft is also equipped with a vessel Automatic Identification System, direction finding equipment, an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system and a multi-mode search radar to improve the Ocean Sentry’s situational awareness and responsiveness. The HC-144A’s MSP is approximately 90 percent similar to the systems found on the HC-130H and HC-130J Long Range Surveillance aircraft, enabling commonality in training and operation.
Test and Evaluation
Once outfitted with a mission system pallet for C4ISR and other mission-specific capabilities at ARSC, each aircraft is flown to the Coast Guard's Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala. for operational tests and evaluation before entering into Coast Guard service.
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