USCG transfers HC-144 Minotaur prototype

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has delivered the HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft that has served as a prototype for HC-144 Minotaur integration to the fleet at the Aviation Training Center Mobile (ATC), Alabama.

The Coast Guard ATC is a multi-mission unit, acting as the guard's aviation and capabilities development center, as well as an operational air station.

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 USCG's fixed-wing surveillance aircraft.

The recently transferred aircraft was also the prototype for the Ocean Sentry Refresh project, through which the USCG is upgrading the flight management systems on its HC-144A aircraft. Each aircraft is redesigned as an HC-144B following the upgrades. A second HC-144B has also been outfitted with Minotaur.

The USCG will combine Minotaur and Ocean Sentry Refresh modifications into one conversion process in the fiscal year 2018.