First USN P-8A Poseidon delivered
Boeing has announced that the first production P-8A Poseidon aircraft has been delivered to the US Navy in Seattle. The P-8A is the first of 13 anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Boeing will deliver as part of a low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract awarded in 2011. The delivery took place on 4 March 2012.
According to Boeing, following delivery in Seattle, Navy pilots flew the first production P-8A, LRIP1-1, to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where it will be used for aircrew training.
The Poseidon team is using a first-in-industry in-line production process that draws on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 production system. All P-8A-unique aircraft modifications are made in sequence during fabrication and assembly.
Along with production aircraft, the P-8A team also has built and is testing six flight-test and two ground-test aircraft. The flight-test aircraft are based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., and have completed more than 1,500 flight hours. A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the Poseidon is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.
The Navy plans to purchase 117 Boeing 737-based P-8A aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK Royal Navy orders more Remus UUVs
HII’s Remus UUVs can be used for mine-countermeasure, harbour security and reconnaissance operations, as well as hydrographic surveys, environmental monitoring and debris field mapping.
-
How AI tools can reduce fuel usage for maritime platforms
The broader use of algorithms to collect and analyse vessel data can better support navy chiefs and staff.
-
South Korea approves more frigates plus SM-3 missiles
South Korea’s six FFX Batch IV frigates are expected to be delivered by 2032 and will full retirement of remaining Pohang-class corvettes and Ulsan-class frigates, and possibly Gwanggaeto-class destroyers.
-
China’s third aircraft carrier commences sea trials
Fujian, China’s latest aircraft carrier, has embarked on its inaugural sea trials following delays to its construction but featuring technological advancements that have marked a leap in the maritime capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
-
BAE Systems to restore USS Carter vessel
The Harpers Ferry class ship’s hull, internal fuel and ballast tanks, and engineering plant will receive preservation or restoration work over the next year.