Variant Of CN-235/C-295 Aircraft Family

EADS CASA, an operating entity of EADS, has received an order from Lockheed Martin for five more US Coast Guard HC-144A aircraft, bringing total orders to eight aircraft as part of the service's aviation modernization program.

Coast Guard planning calls for the acquisition of up to 36 HC-144As, which are mission-tailored versions of EADS CASA's popular CN-235 military transport.  These multi-mission aircraft will be used for homeland security missions, search and rescue operations, law enforcement missions – including fisheries, counter narcotics, pollution response, cargo and personnel transport. 

EADS states the HC-144A was selected because of the CN-235's excellent performance, operational effectiveness and low cost of ownership. Its mission flexibility is further enhanced by the rear cargo ramp that is standard on EADS CASA's family of CN-235/C-295 military airlifters. The larger C-295 military aircraft is being offered by an industry team led by Raytheon and EADS CASA North America to meet the requirements of the U.S. Army/Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft program.

"This latest order for Coast Guard HC-144As further demonstrates our ability to provide highly capable fixed and rotary wing aircraft that meet a range of customer requirements, including homeland security, law enforcement and operations with the US Army," said Ralph D. Crosby Jr., EADS North America Chairman & CEO. "We look forward to the HC-144's entry into active service and are committed to providing the full resources of EADS to support these aircraft over the long term."

EADS CASA previously delivered two of the three HC-144As acquired by the Coast Guard in its initial order. These aircraft currently are undergoing final mission system integration at the Coast Guard's Aviation Repair & Supply Center in Elizabeth City, NC.

FMI: www.eadsnorthamerica.com, www.uscg.mil