Article Posted on : - Nov 08, 2012

The 5th production P-8A Poseidon aircraft. A Boeing photo.

SEATTLE (BNS): US defence major Boeing has delivered the fifth production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the US Navy.

The P-8A is one of 24 low-rate initial production (LRIP) maritime patrol aircraft that Boeing is building for the Navy as part of contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012.

"This is our final P-8A delivery of the year; we'll ramp up to 12 deliveries, including P-8I aircraft for India, in 2013," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 programme manager.

"As we transition to the P-8A and prepare for Initial Operational Capability in 2013, the US Navy is successfully flying the first production planes at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida," said Capt. Aaron Rondeau, US Navy P-8A Integrated Product Team lead.

The next three Poseidon aircraft are undergoing mission systems installation and checkout in Seattle, and two more are in final assembly in Renton, Washington. Boeing will deliver its sixth production P-8A to the Navy in early 2013.

The Navy plans to purchase 117 of the Boeing 737-based P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet.

As part of the LRIP contracts, Boeing is also providing aircrew and maintenance training for the Navy, in addition to logistics support, spares, support equipment and tools.