Boeing’s Maritime Surveillance Aircraft ready to demo
Boeing has completed baseline ground and flight testing of the Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) mission systems, clearing the way for customer demonstration flights to begin.
The MSA programme testing included scenarios to confirm performance of the Automatic Identification System, radar, Electro-Optical Infrared camera, communications radios and data links, Communications Intelligence System and the Electronic Support Measures.
David Utz, MSA demonstrator flight test manager, Boeing, said: ‘The mission systems flight test programme proved the functionality and performance of the onboard sensors and was a huge accomplishment for the MSA team.’
The aircraft completed airworthiness and certification testing in 2014.
MSA is a multi-intelligence maritime surveillance platform that draws on technology developed for Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon and the Airborne Warning and Control System Block 40/45 aircraft mission systems. It is designed to provide a high capability, low-risk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance solution in a mid-size business jet.
The aircraft’s potential missions include anti-piracy, immigration patrols, Economic Exclusion Zone enforcement, coastal and border security and long-range search and rescue.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation]()
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
