USCG orders HC-144 missionisation equipment
TFab Defense Systems (TFD has received a contract from the US Coast Guard to manufacture and deliver Minotaur mission system workstation units for the HC-144B Ocean Sentry medium range surveillance aircraft, the coast guard announced on 31 August.
The units, known as PODs, will be delivered along with aircraft integration kits.
The base award of the contract is worth approximately $7.5 million, which covers production and delivery of 16 Minotaur mission system PODs and eight aircraft integration kits. The full contract calls for up to 32 Minotaur PODs and up to 16 kits for aircraft integration. It has a total value of approximately $15.4 million if all options are exercised.
The POD processes mission data and video, provides communications capabilities and controls aircraft sensors. Each HC-144 will operate with two PODs, which can be detached to accommodate mission requirements.
The Minotaur mission system incorporates the sensors, radar, C4I and ISR equipment that allows aircrew to collect and process surveillance information for transmission to shore and surface operators. The system is being incorporated into the coast guard's fixed-wing surveillance aircraft.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.