(Photo: EADS)

18:12 GMT, November 19, 2008 Military Transport Aircraft of EADS has delivered the sixth HC-144A Ocean Sentry Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the US Coast Guard Deepwater programme. From a plan to purchase 36 aircraft, eight are already firm orders. The HC-144A is based on the successful EADS CN-235 platform that is operated by several civil and military organisations in different countries around the world.

The Ocean Sentry MPA is part of the fixed wing fleet of aircraft that procures homeland security for the US. 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 was selected to serve as the mediumrange surveillance maritime patrol aircraft platform for the U.S. Coast Guard. The Deepwater contract was awarded in 2002 to the (ICGS), a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, to which EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division supplies the aircraft.