While not as nimble as the MH-68A, the MH-65C is faster, has greater range and endurance, and provides a smoother ride, therefore allowing more accurate shooting. It also has the logistical advantage of being standardized throughout the Coast Guard.

Agusta MH-68 “Stingray” (2001) In March 2001, an agreement with Agusta Aerospace Corporation was made to lease eight A109E Power helicopters. HITRON Jacksonville faced many new challenges as they converted a civilian corporate helicopter into an armed shipboard deployable aircraft.

22-Mar-02 - The U.S. Coast Guard's first patrols using tough new tactics employing armed MH-68s, a dedicated version of the twin-engine Agusta A109 Power helicopter, scored a perfect three busts in three attempts against drug-laden speedboats bound for U.S. shores.

MH-68A Stingrays The United States Coast Guard's Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) seizures and set the stage for the continued airborne use of force in maritime drug interdiction efforts.

Jan 30, 2021 · The MH-68A helicopter is specially equipped with M-16 rifles, an M240 machine gun and the RC50 laser sighted 50-caliber precision rifle. HITRON’s primary missions are drug interdiction and Home Land Security.

Feb 17, 2022 · In late 2000, HITRON replaced its wing of MH-90s with leased high-performance Augusta A109E “Power” helicopters, re-designated MH-68A “Stingray” helicopters for HITRON use. In 2000, HITRON replaced the MH-90 with the MH-68 Stingray as its helicopter.

Agusta MH-68 “Stingray” (2001) In March 2001, an agreement with Agusta Aerospace Corporation was made to lease eight A109E Power helicopters. HITRON Jacksonville faced many new challenges as they

Nine A109E MH-68A Stingray were used by the US Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron Jacksonville (HITRON Jacksonville) as short range armed interdiction helicopters from 2000 until 2008 when they were replaced with MH-65C Dolphins.

22-Mar-02 - The U.S. Coast Guard's first patrols using tough new tactics employing armed MH-68s, a dedicated version of the twin-engine Agusta A109 Power helicopter, scored a perfect three busts in three attempts against drug-laden speedboats bound for U.S. shores.

Mar 30, 2012 · Operational doctrine authorises MH-68 crews to disable the engines through pinpoint rifle fire of suspected vessels that fail to halt following several warnings. These...