Coast Guard Fixed-Wing Aircraft
The Coast Guard operates several types of fixed-wing aircraft for long and medium-range surveillance, search and rescue, and logistics missions. These aircraft extend the Coast Guard's reach across vast ocean areas and provide critical support to surface forces.
HC-130J Super Hercules
| Manufacturer: | Lockheed Martin |
| Type: | Long Range Surveillance (LRS) Aircraft |
| Crew: | 7 (2 pilots, flight engineer, navigator, radio operator, 2 loadmasters/dropmaster) |
| Length: | 97 feet 9 inches |
| Wingspan: | 132 feet 7 inches |
| Max Speed: | 355 knots |
| Range: | 2,900 nautical miles |
| Ceiling: | 28,000 feet |
| Endurance: | 14+ hours |
| Engines: | 4x Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprops |
Overview
The HC-130J Super Hercules is the newest and most capable variant of the venerable C-130 operated by the Coast Guard. It serves as the primary long-range surveillance and SAR aircraft, capable of covering thousands of square miles during extended patrols.
Capabilities
- Long-range maritime patrol and surveillance
- Search and rescue coordination
- Cargo and personnel transport
- Air-droppable rescue equipment (rafts, pumps, supplies)
- Advanced sensors and radar systems
- Satellite communications
- Aerial refueling capability (selected aircraft)
Missions
HC-130J crews conduct maritime patrol flights lasting up to 14 hours, searching for vessels in distress, monitoring fishing activity, and supporting drug interdiction operations. When survivors are located, the aircraft can drop life rafts, survival supplies, and dewatering pumps while vectoring rescue helicopters or surface units.
SAR Equipment Delivery
HC-130J aircraft carry air-deliverable equipment including 20-person life rafts, survival kits, and P-6 dewatering pumps that can be dropped to vessels in distress, buying critical time for rescue forces to arrive.
HC-144 Ocean Sentry
| Manufacturer: | Airbus (EADS CASA) |
| Type: | Medium Range Surveillance (MRS) Aircraft |
| Crew: | 3-5 |
| Length: | 70 feet 10 inches |
| Wingspan: | 84 feet 8 inches |
| Max Speed: | 248 knots |
| Range: | 1,800 nautical miles |
| Ceiling: | 30,000 feet |
| Endurance: | 10 hours |
| Engines: | 2x General Electric CT7-9C3 turboprops |
Overview
The HC-144A Ocean Sentry is a medium-range surveillance aircraft based on the EADS CASA CN-235 platform. It is designed to fill the gap between helicopter short-range missions and the long-range HC-130J patrols.
Capabilities
- Maritime surveillance and patrol
- Search and rescue detection
- Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor system
- Surface search radar
- Automatic Identification System (AIS)
- Cargo transport capability
Minotaur Mission System
The HC-144A features the Minotaur mission system, which integrates radar, EO/IR sensors, AIS, and communications into a single operator workstation. This allows crews to detect, identify, and track vessels of interest during patrol missions.
HC-27J Spartan
| Manufacturer: | Leonardo (Alenia Aermacchi) |
| Type: | Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft |
| Crew: | 3-5 |
| Length: | 74 feet 5 inches |
| Wingspan: | 94 feet 2 inches |
| Max Speed: | 315 knots |
| Range: | 1,500 nautical miles |
| Ceiling: | 30,000 feet |
| Endurance: | 9 hours |
| Engines: | 2x Rolls-Royce AE2100D2A turboprops |
Overview
The HC-27J Spartan was transferred from the U.S. Air Force to the Coast Guard beginning in 2014. These aircraft augment the medium-range surveillance capability and provide valuable cargo transport capacity.
Capabilities
- Maritime surveillance and patrol
- Logistics and cargo transport
- Personnel transport
- Search and rescue support
- Large rear cargo ramp for loading
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
The Coast Guard has been evaluating and deploying unmanned aircraft systems to extend surveillance capabilities:
MQ-9B ScanEagle
Small UAS deployed from National Security Cutters for extended surveillance during patrols.
Future UAS Programs
The Coast Guard continues to evaluate medium and large UAS platforms to complement manned aircraft in maritime patrol and surveillance missions.