USCG’s HC-144 programme achieves milestones
The US Coast Guard's (USCG's) HC-144 Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) programme has reached two new milestones, the USCG announced on 25 April.
The HC-144 programme received design approval and started Ocean Sentry Refresh (OSR) modifications, and the programme completed the Minotaur mission system suite prototype integration efforts and began test flights.
Under the OSR project the HC-144As are being upgraded with a new flight management system, which manages communication control, navigation and equipment monitoring. Following the completion of upgrades, each aircraft is re-designated as an HC-144B. The HC-144B configuration with upgrades has been approved by the USCG's Aircraft Configuration Control Board.
Two HC-144B aircraft have been produced to date: one prototype and one aircraft on which changes were validated and verified. Test flights began in March.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles]()
Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles
The missiles are being purchased through a government-to-government sale with Norway and will be operated from Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
-
![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.
