Coast Guard sets path for aviation upgrades.

• Author: Colucci, Frank

The U.S. Coast Guard is moving briskly on its multifaceted Deepwater aviation upgrade program. Integrated Coast Guard Systems--the Lockheed Martin/Northrop Grumman joint venture--formally launched the Coast Guard aviation upgrade with a contract for two EADS CASA 235-300M medium range surveillance maritime patrol aircraft. "We gave ICGS a list of missions and how well we have to do them," explains Lt. Cmdr. Tom Maine, human systems integration lead for air training and manpower in Deepwater's Coast Guard Aviation Group.

Depending on future funding, EADS CASA may build up to 35 aircraft to replace HU-25 Guardian jets and HC-130H Hercules turboprops in patrol missions. Deepwater aviation upgrades also include a modernized Eurocopter HH-65X Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopter, the new Bell Agusta AB139 Recovery and Surveillance helicopter, and new Lockheed HC-130J patrol aircraft. Additionally, the Integrated Deepwater System draws imagery from the Bell Eagle Eye vertical takeoff and landing UAV and the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk high altitude endurance UAV.

All the Deepwater platforms are recommended choices with final specifications developed with and approved by the customer. ICGS says other platforms would be considered if they presented better alternatives at the time of contract award. Beyond the original Deepwater plan, ICGS is now managing the armed Agusta Westland MH-68A Stingrays leased for Coast Guard tactical operations. Separate from Deepwater, the Coast Guard has embarked on an HH-60J Jayhawk modernization to keep it in service through 2022.

Northrop Grumman finished upgrading 15 of 41 Coast Guard Falcons to HU-25Ds last year. The service will retire the most costly-to-fly jets by 2013. The new contract with options sets a firm fixed price for up to eight CASA 235s delivered by 2006. The number of aircraft may shrink if ICGS opts for more new HC-130Js, but EADS CASA still plans to open a support facility at the Coast Guard Air Training Center in Mobile, Ala., by the time the fifth aircraft is delivered.

ICGS, EADS CASA, and the Coast Guard have completed the MRS MPA (medium range surveillance maritime patrol aircraft) preliminary design review. The new patrol aircraft will be built and integrated with its Rockwell Collins Flight II cockpit avionics in Spain, then flown to the United States for Lockheed Martin to integrate mission equipment. All Deepwater platforms will share a common command and control system, but a...