EADS North America will deliver contractor logistics support and service (CLSS) to four CN235-300 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for Mexican Navy. The CLSS contract consists of one base year with four one-year options. The contract includes a field service representative to provide on-site technical support, management of parts and depot maintenance.
EADS North America delivered the four Airbus Military CN235-300 MPAs to the Mexican Navy in 2011 and 2012 under a U.S. Coast Guard managed foreign military sales agreement. The CN235-300 MPAs enhance Mexico’s ability to support the Mérida Initiative, a cooperative security arrangement between the U.S., Mexico and Central American countries. The aircraft’s missions include homeland security, search and rescue, military readiness, cargo and personnel transport, drug interdiction and maritime environmental protection.
“This aircraft is playing a vital role serving American security interests, and we’re proud to continue to support this key foreign military sales initiative for the U.S. government,” said Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America Chairman and CEO.
The MPA configuration of the CN235-300 incorporates the latest technology developed for surveillance over the sea. The combination of a forward-looking infrared system and search radar allows the aircraft to locate and track ships to conduct thorough patrols of a coastline. The Automatic Identification System and the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) help make this aircraft the ideal tool to carry out military surveillance missions for the Mexican Navy. The FITS was developed by Airbus Military and ensures that the extensive data gathered by the aircraft’s onboard sensors can easily be used by the crew to execute their mission.
The U.S Coast Guard employs the CN235-300 in the HC-144A Ocean Sentry variant.
[mappress] Press Release, October 1, 2013; Image: EADS