Article Posted on : - Jul 03, 2014

The 14th P-8A Poseidon aircraft. A Boeing photo.

SEATTLE (BNS): US defence major Boeing has delivered the 14th P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U S Navy expanding its maritime patrol capabilities.

The P-8A, delivered on schedule, is now with its squadron at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. Seven more of the maritime patrol aircraft will be delivered this year, Boeing said.

The first P-8A squadron deployed to Kadena, Japan, in December and has been conducting operational missions ever since. The second squadron will deploy this summer.

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

The Navy plans to purchase the versatile multi-mission aircraft to replace its P-3 Orion fleet.

Boeing is currently under contract for 53 P-8As. The most recent delivery is the first from the third low-rate initial production contract awarded in 2012.

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