Australia celebrates Industry first with domestic maintenance of P-8A fleet
Boeing Defence Australia will provide major maintenance, repair and overhaul work on the RAAF’s fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircraft this month as part of a $60 million contract signed in September 2021.
For the first time, the deeper maintenance work will take place at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, instead of returning to the US.
Deeper maintenance work typically occurs after 72 months of service, when an aircraft return to the OEM’s facilities for in-depth, complex and specialised maintenance services.
The fact that the aircraft will not return to US facilities for deeper maintenance reflects confidence in the domestic Industry.
Central to the deeper maintenance programme occurring in Australia was the rapid modification of an existing hangar at RAAF Edinburgh, where the P-8A fleet is based.
Darryn Fletcher, Boeing Defence Australia director of commercial derivative aircraft explained: ‘A new purpose-built hangar will be commissioned in 2025 but, with deeper maintenance scheduled to commence this year… [modifying] a hangar on base… keeps all P-8A servicing under one roof.’
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Australia possesses 12 P-8A aircraft, out of a total of 150 aircraft in service with various air forces around the world.
More from Air Warfare
-
Doodle Labs expands use of its radios on UAV systems
Mesh Rider is a SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) optimised mesh radio designed for uncrewed systems and supports six frequency bands in a single transceiver and AES-256 encryption. It was developed in cooperation with the US Defense Innovation Unit.
-
UK finalises Airbus H145 helicopter order while NMH programme timeline continues to slip
The UK signed a $150 million contract for six Airbus H145 helicopters to enhance military operations in Brunei and Cyprus, replacing aging Puma HC2s. At the same time, questions remain over the fate of the New Medium Helicopter programme amidst uncertainties surrounding procurement plans and delivery timelines.
-
NATO’s E-3A fleet more important than ever, says force commander
NATO’s E-3A fleet will have been in service for more than half a century by the time of their expected retirement but a boost to the capability and conflict elsewhere have highlighted their importance.