Star Safire ordered for USCG HC-144
FLIR Systems will supply eight Star Safire 380HD electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) sensors for the US Coast Guard's (USCG's) HC-144 Ocean Sentry surveillance aircraft, the USCG announced on 16 May. The order has a value of around $6 million.
The EO/IR sensors will improve the aircraft’s detection and identification capabilities. The units are compatible with Minotaur mission system architecture and will increase commonality among the coast guard’s fixed wing platforms, including the C-27J Spartan medium range surveillance aircraft and HC-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft.
The first unit for the HC-144 acquisition was delivered in April, with delivery of the remaining units planned by the end of 2017.
The HC-144 Ocean Sentry turboprop aircraft has an endurance of over 10 hours and an extensive sensor capability that helps the coast guard fulfill its maritime patrol, drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response and search and rescue missions more effectively.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD]()
Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD
The landing platform dock, believed to be the largest naval vessel that China has exported, will see the Chinese-built vessel embrace Western technology.
-
![GAO recommends better oversight of support for shipyards in the face of capacity concerns]()
GAO recommends better oversight of support for shipyards in the face of capacity concerns
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) believes the US industrial base will struggle to meet US Navy (USN) requirements. This follows recent warnings from USN heads of a decline in resources and that the industrial base is under strain.
-
![Lockheed Martin wins three new DoD naval contracts including on Littoral Combat Ships]()
Lockheed Martin wins three new DoD naval contracts including on Littoral Combat Ships
Lockheed Martin has won contracts and contract modifications on systems and platforms ranging from missile systems and naval helicopters to Littoral Combat Ships.
