Curtiss-Wright to deliver Air Data Computer technology for USCG

Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division has secured a contract from the US Coast Guard (USCG) to deliver its air data computer technology for use on the latter’s Airbus MH-65 Dolphin helicopter fleet.

The helicopters will be integrated with dual Air Data Computers that offer flight critical altitude and speed information to the cockpit and other important helicopter systems.

The initial contract value is about $3m and deliveries are scheduled to be initiated later this year and continue through 2019.

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions division senior vice-president and general manager Lynn Bamford said: "Curtiss-Wright is very proud to have been selected by the US Coast Guard to provide our industry leading Air Data Computer technology for use on this important helicopter program."

The MH-65 Dolphin is a conversion of the Airbus HH-65 Dolphin, which is a variant of the French-built Eurocopter AS365.

The conversion of MH-65 integrates a glass cockpit into the aircraft.

As part of that upgrade, the Curtiss-Wright Air Data Computer delivers altitude, airspeed, and vertical speed data to the glass cockpit displays.

The Dolphin helicopters, which serve the USCG both as a short-range rescue and maritime law enforcement platform, operate from 17 air stations on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii and the Great Lakes, as well as from deployed cutters.