The Mexican Navy to expand its EADS CASA patrol fleet with the CN235 Persuader
September 19, 2008
Mexico will reinforce its current maritime patrol fleet of EADS CASA C212-200s with the 2010 introduction of new CN235 Persuader aircraft, which will be equipped with a full complement of state-of-the-art sensors and a highly capable integrated mission system.
The Mexican Navy has signed with EADS CASA for two new CN235 Persuaders, plus options for two more. They will join the Navy’s fleet of seven smaller C212-200s, which pioneered the use of EADS CASA’s FITS integrated mission system when they went into operation beginning in 2004.
Both the C212-200 and CN235 Persuader are designed to accept a full complement of sensors -- with the Mexican Navy’s new aircraft to carry an under-fuselage mounted search radar with image modes, a chin-mounted electro-optical turret that includes a thermal sensor, and an automatic ship identification system.
This sensor complement, which is linked to the onboard integrated mission system, enables the CN235 Persuader to operate at day and night, as well as in adverse weather conditions for mission duties that include maritime patrol, the tracking of drug trafficking, the control of illegal fishing and other illicit activities, as well the surveillance of strategic installations in the Mexican exclusive economic zone.
The CN235’s large cockpit is equipped with a tactical screen for the pilots that displays information generated by the tactical operators. This permits greater coordination among the crew, and facilitating the precise flying that is needed during maritime surveillance.
CN235 Persuaders have an autonomy of up to 11 hours, and their higher cruising speed increases the coverage area when compared to the C212.
The C212 and CN235 share the same operating characteristics that are inherent in all of EADS CASA’s maritime patrol/search and rescue aircraft: excellent low-altitude handling and maneuverability, plus outstanding visibility through bubble observer windows – all of which facilitate observation during the full range of missions.
The CN235, along with EADS CASA’s larger C295, have earned a reputation as rugged and highly reliable multi-mission aircraft in the most demanding conditions. Some 300 CN235/C295 family aircraft have been sold to date, and are currently in operation with customers that include the U.S. Coast Guard, Irish Air Corps, and the Spanish Maritime Agency.
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