Boeing delivers new P-8A Poseidon to US Navy
The US Navy has taken delivery of the sixth production P-8A Poseidon aircraft built by Boeing, completing the first group of deliveries ordered under a January 2011 low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract.
Boeing reported that it remains on schedule to build 24 P-8A maritime patrol aircraft as part of contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012. The US Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As in total to replace its P-3 fleet.
The P-8A is based on the next-generation Boeing 737-800 platform. The versatile multi-mission aircraft provides broad long-range maritime patrol capabilities, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager, said: ‘The P-8 team continues to incorporate efficiencies into our production as we ramp up deliveries in 2013. We've reduced flow times and costs, which ultimately benefits our US Navy customer.
The next three Poseidon aircraft are currently undergoing mission systems installation and checkout in Seattle, and two more are in final assembly. Boeing will deliver its seventh production P-8A to the navy later this quarter. The company is also providing maintenance training for the navy, in addition to logistics support, spares, support equipment and tools as part of the LRIP contracts.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain
The global defence giant chose a Spanish firm for its work on the Bonifaz-class frigate.
-
Oostende mine countermeasures vessel begins sea trials
The first vessel in the Belgian-Dutch rMCM mine-clearing fleet, the Oostende, has begun its sea trials before officially entering service in 2025.
-
US Navy places $312 million contract with Textron Systems for landing craft
Textron’s latest order for Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) follows on from a contract placed in August 2023 for five LCAC.
-
Japan to boost surface fleet with new destroyers and missile ships
Japan is enhancing its naval capabilities with the construction of the 13DDX advanced destroyer and Aegis System Equipped Vessels (AESV), aiming to strengthen its air and missile defence amid increasing security threats, particularly in East Asia.