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The Coast Guard awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors worth $19.7 million for production of five Mission Systems Pallets (MSP) for the Service’s fleet of HC-144A Ocean Sentry Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The base contract also includes options for up to three additional MSPs.
The MSP is a roll-on, roll-off suite of electronic equipment that enables Ocean Sentry aircrews to compile data from the aircraft's multiple integrated sensors and to transmit and receive both classified and unclassified information with other aircraft, surface vessels and shore facilities. With multiple voice and data communications capabilities, as well as satellite communications, the MSP contributes to the common tactical and operating pictures.
The Ocean Sentry provides extended on-scene loitering capabilities while also being capable of performing various missions including maritime patrol, law enforcement, search and rescue, disaster response, cargo and personnel transport. The Ocean Sentry is also capable of maintaining secure communications with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and allied forces.
Twelve MSPs have been delivered to the Coast Guard to date.
For more information on the HC-144A, please visit the project’s website at http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/MRS.