New wings for German P-3Cs

The German Navy’s P-3C Orion maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft fleet is to be upgraded under an eight year contract signed between an Airbus Defence and Space-Lockheed Martin Overseas Services Corporation (LMOSC) team and the German armed forces.

The companies will perform a Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) - re-winging - of the eight P-3C aircraft in the German Navy fleet, with LMOSC to produce the MLU kits and Airbus Defence and Space to integrate and install them. 

The MLU-kits include outer wing, centre fuselage, and horizontal stabilizers. 

Mark Jarvis, director of P-3 programs, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘Once installed, these new wings will extend the life of each German Navy P-3 by 15,000 hours per aircraft, which will allow the German Navy fleet to meet future mission requirements. We look forward to working with Airbus to provide the German Navy, and specifically Naval Air Wing 3 at NAS Nordholz, the improved capability that these wings will provide.  

Frank Bodenstein, senior manager and head of P-3 Orion / logistic and engineering programmes, Airbus Defence and Space, added: ‘This contract clearly demonstrates the future requirement for this weapon system and Airbus Defence and Space is looking forward to supporting the Germany Navy with our capabilities at our military aircraft centre in Manching for many years to come.’

Airbus Defence and Space is the Weapon System Support company for the German Navy P-3C Orion aircraft, providing full in-service support for the fleet.

Related Equipment in Defence Insight

P-3 Orion