CASA MPA built for the USCG

[Dogwatch]

Photos of the CASA MPA entering service in the USCG as part of their Integrated Deepwater System Programme





The CASA CN 235-300M is a transport and surveillance, fixed-wing aircraft that will be used to perform search and rescue missions, enforce laws and treaties including illegal drug interdiction, marine environmental protection, military readiness, and International Ice Patrol missions, as well as cargo and personnel transport. It can perform aerial delivery of search and rescue equipment such as rafts, pumps, and flares, and it can be used as an On Scene Commander platform.

EADS CASA CN 235-300M
Number Planned: 36
Maximum Cruising Speed: 236 KTAS
Maximum Range: 1,565 NM (MPA Configured)
Range with Payload: (6000 lbs) 575 NM (Cargo Configured)
Endurance: 8.7 hours
Length: 70.2 FT
Wing Span: 84.7 FT
Cabin Length: 31.6 FT
Cabin Height: 6.1 FT
Cabin Width Max Width: 8.9 FT, Floor Width: 7.7 FT
Maximum Take-off Weight: 36,380 lbs
Maximum Landing Weight: 36,380 lbs
Engines: (2) General Electric CT7-9C3 Turboprop Engines
Propellers: Hamilton Standard 14RF-37 (Four Blades)

[Goldie fish]

They appear shorter than ours.

[hptmurphy]

and is spanish..any thoughts from the anti sapnish andy

[Victor]

They appear shorter than ours.

Overall (stated) length and span seem to be the same, but there might be subtle differences.

[faughanballagh]

Looks like a pretty cool aircraft, look forward to seeing it put to good use.

[Dogwatch]

They appear shorter than ours.

Look to be the same size

Dimensions
Length 21.40m (70ft 2in)
Wing Span 25.81m (84ft 8in)

The lack of windows in the USCG fuselage seems to give the impression of being shorter.

[Dogwatch]

Photo of the first CASA MPA

Here's a photo of the first CASA MPA, which was given to the Air Corps while the two CASA MPA's were being built. Note the lack of a FLIR and radar. She could only carry out visual patrols.

[DeV]

Its wasn't an MPA, 254 was a transport variant, hence it could only carry out visual patrols.

[Dogwatch]

Its wasn't an MPA, 254 was a transport variant, hence it could only carry out visual patrols.

Agreed, but it was not acquired to be used as a transport aircraft. It was acquired to familiarise the AC with the CASA CN-235 MPA. As such, it was employed, primarily, as an MPA (although with very basic capabilities).

[Goldie fish]

I remember seeing a photo of 250 with a Marchetti, wings folded, in its hold. It was used for MPA in the same way as the Kingairs Before it. A camera operator sat at the bubble window and photographed Trawlers engaged in illegal fishing.

[GoneToTheCanner]

Hi all
Goldie is correct.250 was only fit for visual patrols but did many other tasks such as cargo, para dropping (I went on some of those flights), Ministerial transport, medevac (I flew on at least two as a crewman), SAR top cover(actual and practise). It was permanently rigged with static line cables and was a particular favourite of those who jump out of aeroplanes for the DF, because they could form up on the ramp in flight and jump as a group. It was not really much cop as a Marpat aircraft without any search systems but it was valuable as a trainer for such missions and was sorely missed when it went back. Bear in mind that it is no bigger than an Aer Arran ATR, so it's really a bit small and a bit of a tight fit inside.
regards
GttC

[andy]

and is spanish..any thoughts from the anti sapnish andy

sure man, Im just figuring out how those things havent fell out of the sky yet

[Dogwatch]

250 was only fit for visual patrols but did many other tasks such as cargo, para dropping (I went on some of those flights), Ministerial transport, medevac (I flew on at least two as a crewman), SAR top cover(actual and practise). It was permanently rigged with static line cables and was a particular favourite of those who jump out of aeroplanes for the DF, because they could form up on the ramp in flight and jump as a group. It was not really much cop as a Marpat aircraft without any search systems but it was valuable as a trainer for such missions and was sorely missed when it went back.

Both Air Corps MPA's are still used for all those missions, but their primary role (& reason for purchase) is Maritime Patrol. Only saw them being used two weeks ago for parachuting.

[GoneToTheCanner]

Hi Dogwatch
Using the Blue Casas for anything other than MarPat is of dubious value. As a jump aircraft, it is limited because the mission equipment module fills almost the entire cabin, with little room for formation jumping or fully-kitted Rangers, for that matter. The ramp itself is already crowded with dinghy dropping gear. It's also pretty useless as a cargo aircraft and of limited use as a passenger carrier, either in VIP mode or in medevac mode. In my experience, the VIPs prefer even the King Air over the Casa. It'd be like the RAF using a Nimrod for VIP/Para work, instead of it's dedicated job. That's why I said 250 was sorely missed, because it did all the non-MarPat jobs better than 252/253 does, especially conversion training for pilots....using them for any job other than MarPat is, frankly, a waste of their true function. There are plenty of good para aircraft available out there, if the DF were really serious about quality para training.
regards
GttC

[Victor]

In my experience, the VIPs prefer even the King Air over the Casa.

Well. Hopefully, payload weight won't be an issue anymore. :D