Final CN235-300 for Mexico delivered

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HERNDON, Va., May 17 (UPI) -- The Mexican navy has received a fourth Airbus Military CN235-300 maritime patrol aircraft from EADS North America.

The plane, acquired through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, was the final aircraft purchased under the contract managed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The CN235-300 is a twin-engine, turboprop plane that can carry 44 passengers and more than 13,000 pounds of cargo. In its HC-144A Ocean Sentry configuration, it is used for search-and-rescue, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions, among others.

The Coast Guard has 13 of the aircraft and more are on order. Eventually, it is aiming for 36 of the aircraft.

"We're proud that the HC-144A has proven to be such a powerful asset in the U.S. Coast Guard mission to protect the security of our nation," said Sean O'Keefe, EADS North America chairman and chief executive officer.

"Likewise, we're proud to have served America's national interests by delivering a similarly important capability to the Mexican navy."