Coasties to Replace Falcon???

[LegacyDriver]

Is the USCG looking for a dedicated Falcon replacement? If so, how many airframes are they looking to acquire and who is competing for them?

 

[80drvr]

Is the USCG looking for a dedicated Falcon replacement? If so, how many airframes are they looking to acquire and who is competing for them?

Short answer is yes. The replacement would be part of the Integrated Deepwater Systems acquisition. While the CASA MPA product has been advertised as the new aircraft, this may not play out for a number of reasons. I'd estimate the purchase will be in the ballpark of 40-50 aircraft, maybe a little lower if the CG requirements aren't adjusted upward to reflect a post 9.11 environement.

 

[Fins83]

Replacement of CG Falcon (HU-25)

For those of us that work for the Coast Guard (Retired...now a contractor for them)....the timeline for the replacement of the HU-25 is the "Great Unknown". We are still operating 17 of them at our Air Stations, with an additional 3 always in depot-level maintenance (C Check). As previous post stated...the ICGS has a challenge in front of them in terms of the MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) for the future Coast Guard. The airframes are solid, the engine (ATF3) is experiencing better reliability lately, and we have recently installed new sensors and are updating the navigation suite. The HU-25 could last 8, 10, 12 years from now...we just don't know. So we manage the airframe as if we need to support it for at least 10 more years ...until we get definate direction to alter our plans.

With regard to a possible replacement, the Coast Guard ordered the design, testing, and delivery of two CASA CN-235 300M aircraft in May of 2003, that will serve as Medium Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Delivery of two stock airframes is slated for early 2006 with modifications to the aircraft for Coast Guard use to be completed later that year. There are several issues (problems/concerns...etc.) that need to be addressed with the CASA that could extend, postpone, or eliminate the purchase of any additional CASA 235. So ...we'll just have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

In the meantime, from someone who has over 5000 hours in the HU-25, its a sweet airframe to fly...and its gotten my a&& on deck safely everytime I've flown her. I'm just blessed to be able to continue to fly the HU-25 as a contract test pilot.

FINS83