Airbus Military (EADS CASA) HC-144 Ocean Sentry

History of the HC-144 Ocean Sentry by Airbus Military (EADS CASA)

The HC-144 "Ocean Sentry" is a twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft guard (USCG). Search and rescue (SAR) role. The type is based on the frame of the earlier proven EADS (now Airbus Military) CN-235 tactical transport aircraft and thus retains its high-wing monoplane and twin-turboprop configuration, as well as powered rear loading ramps for cargo access.

As of 2009, the service's total inventory was 18 HC-144 aircraft, which continue to operate in their respective ground roles today (2020).

Until 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard was looking for an active replacement for its Dassault HU-25 "Guardian" jet-powered business jet, which has the same role on the water. Therefore, the service selected the C-235/CN-235 series model CN-235-300 MP (Maritime Patrol) "Persuader" as its successor due to its overwater/short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, procurement Cost and proven pedigree.

As a turboprop design, the newer HC-144 offers significantly increased range and improved low- and low-speed flight compared to a twin-engine business jet.

The first units were supplied to the US Coast Guard in December 2006, and the squadron was ready from April 2009. The series then celebrated its 100,000th operating hour in September 2017.

Since then, the type has been successfully used in a variety of operations - from humanitarian assistance and search and rescue to environmental assessment and drug/maritime law enforcement.

The aircraft is designed to carry six operators and has a barrel length of 70.2 feet, a wingspan of 84.7 feet and a height of 26.9 feet. Curb weight is 21,605 lbs and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 36,400 lbs. Power is provided by 2 GE CT7 series turboprop engines, each producing 1,870 horsepower, combining the performance of a jet engine with the efficiency of a propeller drive.

They drive the four-blade propeller unit in the manner of a tractor (tractor). The engines on the main aircraft of each wing are suspended below. Performance includes a top speed of 295 mph and a range of up to 1,800 miles - giving the platform a mission duration window of nearly nine hours.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Service

2009

Origins

United States

Status

Active.

Crew

2

Production

18

Manufacturer

EADS North America - USA

Operators

United States

Roles

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR)

Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

70.2 feet

(21.41m)

Width/span

84. 6 feet

(25.80m)

Height

26.8 feet

(8.18m)

Cured weight

21,605 lbs

(9,800 kg)

MTOW

36,376 lbs

(16,500 kg)

Wgt Difference

+?14,771

(+6,700 kg)

Performance

Installed:

2 GE CT7 turboprops, 1,870 hp each, driving a four-bladed propeller unit in a puller arrangement.

Maximum speed

272 km/h

(437 km/h | 236 knots)

Area

1,802 km

(2,900 km | 5,371 nautical miles)

Range (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

Armor

None.

VARIANTS

HC-144 - Name of the base series. HC-144A - Initial production version.