EADS, MADRID: Lockheed Martin has placed an order to purchase another five EADS CASA HC-235A for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Deepwater Program. These aircraft will be delivered to Lockheed Martin through year 2008.
With these five, the number of aircraft ordered to date is eight (8). The Coast Guard program plan includes up to thirty six (36) aircraft. First delivery to Lockheed Martin took place on December 6, 2006, at EADS CASA facilities in Seville.
The Deepwater Program is a major initiative designed to recapitalise the U.S. Coast Guard with an integrated system of assets and capabilities. The EADS CASA 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 (ICGS), a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, to which EADS CASA supplies the HC-235A aircraft.
Once the mission pallet is integrated in the aircraft by Lockheed Martin in the United States, it will be utilized in search and rescue missions, to enforce laws, in illegal drug interdiction, and on international patrol missions – as well as for cargo and personnel transport.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of EUR 39.4 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M military transport aircraft, and holds a stake in the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems.
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