EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division delivered on July 24 the fifth HC-144A (CG01-05) maritime patrol aircraft to Lockheed Martin in support of the US Coast Guard Deepwater programme at EADS MTAD facilities in San Pablo, Seville, Spain. Today the HC-144A aircraft departs Seville for Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The Deepwater Program is a major initiative designed to recapitalise the U.S. Coast Guard with an integrated system of assets and capabilities. The HC-144A, based on the CN-235, was selected to serve as the medium-range surveillance maritime patrol aircraft platform for the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Deepwater contract was awarded in 2002 to the Integrated Coast Guard System (ICGS), a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, to which EADS MTAD supplies the aircraft platform. The total number of HC-144A aircraft delivered could reach thirty six (36) over the length of the program.

US Coast Guard planning calls for the acquisition of up to 36 HC-144As, which are mission-tailored versions of EADS CASA’s popular CN-235 military transport. These multi-mission aircraft will be used for homeland security missions, search and rescue operations, law enforcement missions – including fisheries, counter narcotics, pollution response, cargo and personnel transport.