The latest Ocean Sentry is among eight HC-144As ordered to date as part ofthe Coast Guard's Deepwater program. The Coast Guard plans to purchase upto 36 total aircraft.

"As demonstrated by this latest HC-144A platform delivery, EADS continuesto meet -- and exceed -- its commitments in supplying the most capableaircraft and systems for U.S. homeland security and defense," said Ralph D.Crosby, Jr., the chairman and CEO of EADS North America. "The Ocean Sentryis the firstall-new aircraft developed in the Deepwater effort, and it offers asignificant increase in capabilities and interoperability for Coast Guardcrews."

The Coast Guard will use its HC-144As for a wide variety of missions,including Homeland Security Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine EnvironmentalProtection, National Defense, international ice patrol missions, and theenforcement of laws and treaties including illegal drug interdiction andthe enforcement of domestic and international fisheries laws. In addition,the aircraft's large cargo bay and rear loading ramp allow the Ocean Sentryto perform multi-role transport missions.

The HC-144A already has demonstrated its capabilities as a search andrescue system. During a training mission in February, an HC-144A played akey role in recovering a downed U.S. Air Force pilot from the Gulf ofMexico, during which it served as an on-scene SAR coordinator platform.

Contributing to the Ocean Sentry success in this operational mission werethe aircrew's enhanced situational awareness with the HC-144A's FlightManagement System, the improved visibility from its bubble search windows,and the use of an on-board Automatic Identification System (AIS) thatallows the aircrew to identify and then coordinate with civilian vessels --including the fishing boat that subsequently was vectored to pick up thedowned airman.

The HC-144A aircraft platform is based on EADS CASA's CN-235 transport,which is part of a family of twin-engine multi-role airlifters that alsoincludes the C-295 and C-212. U.S. customer support for these aircraft isprovided at EADS North America's facility at Mobile Regional Airport inAlabama. The Mobile site is supporting the HC-144A program by providingtechnical assistance on the Ocean Sentry's airframe and mission systems;supplying spare parts and related services; delivering specialized groundsupport equipment; and developing computer-based training programs forCoast Guard personnel.

About EADS North America (www.eadsnorthamerica.com)

EADS North America is the North American operations of EADS, the secondlargest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in allsectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parentcompany, EADS, contribute over $10 billion to the U.S. economy annually andsupport more than 190,000 American jobs through its network of suppliersand services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broadarray of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homelandsecurity, aerospace and defense markets.

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Media Contact:Guy HicksVice President Communications and Public RelationsEADS North AmericaTel: 703-236-3300E-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com