June 5, 2003 -- EVENDALE, OHIO--The U.S. Coast Guard has selected the EADS CASA CN235-300M aircraft powered by two GE CT7-9C3 turboprop engines as its new medium-range maritime patrol aircraft.
Depending upon the number of aircraft ordered, the estimated value of the engine order could be as much as $70 million. Under the provisions of the Coast Guard's multi-year Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) modernization program, the total number of aircraft acquired will be based on the optimal mix of medium-range aircraft and long-range aircraft to meet the mission demands of the Coast Guard for both homeland and non-homeland security.
Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS), a co-equal joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, is the prime contractor for the IDS modernization program. ICGS will coordinate the technical requirements and purchase the aircraft for the Coast Guard from EADS CASA as part of its IDS responsibilities. Delivery of the first two CN235-300M aircraft is targeted for late 2006.
The CT7-9C3, rated at 1,870-shaft-horsepower, was certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1998. The CT7-9C3 is the newest member of GE Aircraft Engines' CT7-9 family, which includes more than 1,000 turboprop engines in service throughout the world. CT7-9 turboprop engines have set the standard for reliability within the industry while accumulating more than 12 million flight hours powering civil and military aircraft.
GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines. Visit GEAE online at http://www.geae.com.
Rick Kennedy
GE Aviation
[email protected]
+1 513 243 3372
+1 513 607 0609