Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)
The CASA CN 235-300M is a transport and surveillance, fixed-wing aircraft that will be used to perform search and rescue missions, enforce laws and treaties including illegal drug interdiction, marine environmental protection, military readiness, and International Ice Patrol missions, as well as cargo and personnel transport. It can perform aerial delivery of search and rescue equipment such as rafts, pumps, and flares, and it can be used as an On Scene Commander platform.
In February 2004, Lockheed Martin signed a contract with EADS CASA for the procurement of two CASA CN235-300M Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). The MPA is currently in the System Development and Demonstration Phase. Delivery of two of these aircraft is slated for mid 2006, with Coast Guard modifications to be completed by late 2006 or early 2007.
The CASA CN 235-300M will provide logistics support, persistent presence, and surveillance systems suitable for worldwide operations to support both traditional Coast Guard missions as well as homeland security missions.
It is expected to operate an average of 1,200 fight hours per operational aircraft per year and have an 80% fleet availability rate.
It's command, control, computers, communication, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) technology will include a variety of sensors, such as multi-mode search radar, and an IR/EO system.
The two-engine CN 235-300M will perform most of the Coast Guard's medium -range surveillance. This aircraft will be particularly effective at detecting targets in a search area and vectoring prosecution assets to the target, thereby contributing to improved maritime domain awareness and a common operating picture. The aircraft will ensure controlled movement of high interest vessels, enhance presence and response capabilities, protect critical infrastructure and enhance Coast Guard force protection.
Aircraft modifications for Coast Guard use will allow for a suitable aerial observer's windows, provisions for installing the C4ISR systems pallet, provisions for dropping smoke flares, rescue equipment (dewatering pumps, life rafts, etc.) and personnel, provisions for dropping supplies and equipment using the P1G container with its aerial delivery system and the Sonobuoy container, and accommodations for crew egress and survival in the event of ditching at sea.
The optimal mix of air assets' including the number of required CN 235-300Ms' will be determined based on the capabilities required to meet the Coast Guard's entire mission demands. A determining factor in addition to the CN 235-300Ms is the C-130Js as allocated to the Coast Guard by the Department of Defense Appropriations.
The Coast Guard's purchase of the CN 235-300M comports with the Buy American Act.
