Article Posted on : - Feb 26, 2014

The P-8A Poseidon. A Boeing photo

SEATTLE (BNS): Boeing's P-8A Poseidon programme will enter full production, following a $2.4 billion contract award from the U S Navy for 16 additional aircraft that will bolster maritime patrol capabilities.

The order, which will take the total fleet to 53, marks a transition from preliminary low-rate production, the Company said.

Boeing has delivered 13 P-8As to the US Navy, which deployed its first patrol squadron to Kadena, Japan in December 2013 and has been conducting operational missions since then.

Based on Boeing's Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A will enhance the service's anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Overall, the Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As to replace its P-3 fleet.

Boeing's industry team includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.