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http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=44 ... n=military
http://www.airbusmilitary.com/PressRele ... ative.aspxIncluding this latest delivery, the Mexican Navy already operates four CN235Ms in a basic transport configuration, all delivered between November 2009 and April 2011.
Mexico takes delivery of its first Airbus Military CN235 MPA ordered under the Mérida Initiative
16-11-11
The Mexican Navy has taken delivery of the first of four CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) ordered from Airbus Military through a contract with EADS North America under the Mérida Initiative,
a joint program between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Mexico.
The remaining three aircraft will be delivered in the first half of 2012.
This CN235 in MPA configuration incorporates the latest technology developed for surveillance over the sea.
The combination of the Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) system and a Search Radar allows this aircraft to locate and track ships to conduct thorough patrols of a coastline.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) and the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) help make this aircraft the ideal tool to carry out military surveillance missions for the Mexican Navy.
The FITS was entirely developed by Airbus Military and ensures that the extensive data gathered by the aircraft’s on-board sensors can be easily used by the crew to execute their mission.
Including this latest delivery, the Mexican Navy already operates three CN235, which are to be added to the two CN235 operated by the Mexican federal police.
The Mexican Air Force and Navy also operate nine C295 and six C212 aircraft.
To date, Airbus Military has sold 211 CN235 to 32 different operators in 20 countries all over the world.
About CN235
Able to carry up to six tons of payload and with a maximum cruise speed of 240 kt (450 km/h), the CN235 is able to take off from, and land on, short, semi-prepared runways with soft surfaces thanks to its Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) characteristics and the strong landing gear with tandem low-pressure tyre.
Its excellent handling qualities, high manoeuvrability and fast engine (two General Electric GE CT7-9C3, 1870 shp) response allow safe critical operations at a very low altitude.
Outstanding reliability and supportability result in high aircraft availability and the lowest life cycle cost (LCC) in its class.
