Navy gets second P-8A maritime patrol aircraft from Boeing
NewsJuly 20, 2012
SEATTLE. The U.S. Navy received the second production P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Boeing. The P-8A is one of 13 low rate initial production (LRIP) maritime patrol aircraft being built for the Navy. The aircraft, which will replace the venerable P-13 aircraft performs anti-surface warfare anti-submarine warfare, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
Navy pilots flew the P-8A from Seattle to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where the first LRIP P-8A is currently used for aircrew training. Three P-8As are performing mission systems installation and checkout in Seattle, while three more are in final assembly in Renton, Wash. The Navy is expected to purchase 117 of the 737-based P-8A aircraft.
The aircraft is being built via an in-line production process that takes from Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 production system. All aircraft modifications are made in sequence during the fabrication and assembly process.
Boeing is providing the P-8A aircrew and maintenance training for the Navy, as well as logistics support, spares, support equipment, and tools. The company also was awarded a System Development and Demonstration contract from the Navy in 2004 to build and test six flight-test and two ground-test P-8A aircraft, which have completed more than 600 sorties and 2,800 flight hours.
