EADS CASA Delivers First Deepwater HC-235A to Lockheed Martin

Released on Tuesday, December 12, 2006

EADS CASA delivered on December 6 the first HC-235A (CN-235 CG01) multi-mission aircraft to Lockheed Martin. The acceptance of the aircraft took place at EADS CASA facilities in San Pablo, 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 Integrated Coast Guard System (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 and treaties; in illegal drug interdiction; for marine environmental protection; in military readiness operations and on international patrol missions � as well as for cargo and personnel transport.

Three (3) aircraft have been ordered to date. The total number of them could reach thirty six (36) within the length of the program.

" We are very proud of such a demanding customer as the US Coast Guard relies on our aircraft and it confirms our approach to enhance home security, where demanded, is the right approach. Technology, innovation, performance, flexibility and reliability, just to name a few, are some of the concepts we are devoted to. Our goal is customer satisfaction", said Francisco Fernández Sáinz, President of EADS CASA.

"The CN-235-300CG's delivery is proof positive of EADS North America's continued support for the U.S. Coast Guard in keeping America safe and secure," said Ralph Crosby, Chairman and CEO of EADS North America. "Our company has worked with the Department of Homeland Security for over 20 years, and we now have met our promise of providing it with another proven and capable multi-mission platform."