Boeing P-8 Poseidon

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P-8 Poseidon
Pale gray jet aircraft touches down on clear day
A P-8A lands at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland
Role Anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare
Manufacturer Boeing Defense, Space & Security
First flight 25 April 2009[1]
Introduction 2013 (projected)
Status Flight testing, initial production
Primary users United States Navy
Indian Navy
Number built 3[2]
Developed from Boeing 737 Next Generation

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly the Multimission Maritime Aircraft or MMA) is a military aircraft currently being developed for the United States Navy (USN). The P-8 is being developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800. It is intended to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and shipping interdiction and to engage in an electronic intelligence (ELINT) role. This will involve carrying torpedoes, depth charges, SLAM-ER anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It will also be able to drop and monitor sonobuoys. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle.

Contents

[edit] Development

[edit] Origins

The Lockheed P-3 Orion ASW aircraft has been in service with the U.S. Navy since 1962.[3] In the mid-1980s the Navy began studies for a replacement aircraft for the P-3, which had its range and time on station capabilities reduced because of increasing weight and was approaching the end of its airframe fatigue life. The Navy specification also required reduced operating and support costs. In 1989, the Navy awarded Lockheed a fixed-price contract to develop the P-7,but the project was canceled the following year.[4]

Boeing and Lockheed Martin were part of a new competition for a replacement aircraft begun in 2000. Lockheed submitted the Orion 21, an updated, new-build version of the P-3 turboprop.[5] Boeing submitted a proposal centered around its 737-800 airliner.[6] BAE Systems offered a new-build version of the Nimrod MRA4, the newest version of the UK's indigenous jet-powered maritime patrol aircraft. However, BAE withdrew from the competition in October 2002, recognizing the political reality that the failure to find a US-based production partner made the bid unrealistic.[7]

On 14 May 2004, Boeing was selected winner of the competition.[8] The following month the Navy awarded Boeing a development contract for MMA.[9] The project was planned to be for at least 108 airframes for the U.S. Navy.[10] More orders are possible from the other nations operating over 200 P-3s. Project value is expected to be worth at least $15 billion. Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Spirit AeroSystems, GE Aviation Systems, Marshall Aerospace, CFMI, BAE Systems, and Marotta are major subcontractors.[11]

In July 2004 the U.S. Navy placed an order for five MMA aircraft. The first flight-test aircraft was to be delivered in 2009. Initial operating capability is expected in 2013.[10] The first aircraft, a test aircraft, is expected to be converted to production standards at a later date. Boeing's MMA aircraft received the P-8A designation on 30 March 2005.[12]

[edit] Design phase and testing

Roll-out of the P-8 on 30 July 2009

In mid-2008, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) deleted the requirement for the P-8A to be equipped with magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) equipment. This was part of a NAVAIR-directed effort to reduce P-8A aircraft weight by 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) to improve aircraft range and endurance. P-8Is destined for the Indian Navy will continue to retain MAD. The P-8A will use a new hydrocarbon sensor to detect fuel vapors from diesel submarines and other conventionally powered ships.[13]

The P-8's first flight occurred on 25 April 2009.[1] The second and third P-8s have flown and begun flight testing by early August 2010.[2] On 11 August 2010, the US DoD approved the P-8 for low-rate production.[14][15] A P-8 deployed sonobuoys for the first time on 15 October 2010, dropping six sonobuoys in three separate low altitude passes.[16]

In 2011, it was found that the ice detection system on the P-8 was defective due to the use of several counterfeit components. It is alledged that these sub-standard parts had been poorly refurbished and sold to P-8 subcontractor BAE Systems as new by a subcontractor in China.[17]

[edit] Exports and foreign involvement

The U.S. Department of Defense wants to follow a program template similar to that of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, with international cooperation from prospective MMA users.[18] Boeing publicly identified New Zealand as a potential customer.[19] Italy indicated interest in purchasing MMA aircraft, with fleet support provided by Alitalia in 2004.[20] However, in December 2008, Italy announced the purchase of four ATR 72 turboprop aircraft to replace its aging Atlantic Maritime Patrol Aircraft,[21] possibly as a temporary solution because Italy remained interested in the P-8.[22][23]

A P-8A Poseidon flying along side a P-3 Orion, close to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, in 2010.

The Australian Minister for Defence announced on 20 July 2007 that the P-8A MMA had been selected as the preferred aircraft to replace the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet of AP-3C Orions in conjunction with a yet-to-be-selected unmanned aerial vehicle. The last RAAF AP-3C is scheduled to be retired in 2018, after nearly 30 years of service.[24] A memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be signed that will help Australia to gain access to classified data and help to input specific requirements.[25] In March 2009, Australia's Chief of Air Force stated that subject to anticipated government approval, the RAAF will begin to add the P-8A to their fleet in 2016.[26] Australia and Canada may each pay up to $300 million in order to have first-tier participation in the MMA project.[27]

In January 2008, Boeing proposed the P-8I, a customized export variant of the P-8A, for the Indian Navy.[28] On 4 January 2009, India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with Boeing for the supply of eight P-8Is at a total cost of US$2.1 billion. These aircraft would replace Indian Navy's aging Tupolev Tu-142M maritime surveillance turboprops.[29][30][31] Each aircraft will cost about US$220 million.[32] The deal makes India the first international customer of the P-8, and also marks Boeing's first military sale to India.[33] On 4 October 2010, India's Defence Acquisition Council of the Ministry of Defence cleared the purchase of four additional P-8Is.[34] The contract details for the additional aircraft was concluded in 2010,[35] and approved by India in March 2011 bringing the total number of aircraft on order to 12.[36]

The Data Link II communications technology for the P-8I was received by Boeing from Bharat Electronics Limited in April 2010. The communications system will enable exchange of tactical data and messages between Indian Navy aircraft, ships and shore establishments. Boeing will install the system during P-8I final assembly.[37][38][39] The IFF, system from BEL was also handed over to Boeing for integration with P-8I in December 2010.[40] Deliveries of P-8Is are to begin in 2013.[41][42] India plans to order another 12 P-8Is at a later time for a total of 24.[43]

[edit] Derivatives

Boeing approached the Air Force in 2010 about replacing the E-8C Joint STARS fleet with a modified version of the P-8 at the same cost Northrop Grumman proposed for re-engining and upgrading the E-8s.[44][45] The proposed version is named P-8 Airborne Ground Surveillance (AGS) and would integrate an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and have ground moving target indicator (GMTI) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities.[46]

The main distinguishing feature of the P-8 AGS is pod-mounted radar, fixed to the lower centerline of the fuselage; the pod is lowered so the engine nacelles do not interrupt the radar's line of sight. Two aft ventral fins on lower aft provide stability for the aircraft. The P-8 AGS also uses the P-8A's Raytheon AN/APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar.[47] Boeing has campaigned for a fleet of P-8 AGS aircraft instead of re-engining the E-8s.[48] Thee Air Force’s Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) of the JSTARS platform began in March 2010 to review options for performing the JSTARS mission. An initial decision on the AOA was expected in September 2011.[49]

[edit] Design

External images
P-8 Poseidon cutway showing weapons bay
Cutaway of P-8 from Flightglobal.com

The P-8 is a militarized version of the 737-800 with 737-900-based wings.[50] The airframe uses a 737-800-based fuselage that is similar to but longer than the 737-700-based C-40 Clipper. The P-8 has a strengthened fuselage and 767-400ER-style raked wingtips, instead of the blended winglets available on 737NG variants.[51] The five operator stations (two Naval Flight Officers plus three enlisted Aviation Warfare Operators/Naval Aircrewman) are mounted in a sideways row, along the port side of the cabin. None of these crew stations have windows. One observer window is located on each side of the forward cabin.

The P-8 features the Raytheon APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar.[52] The P-8I will feature an international version of the APY-10.[53] A short bomb bay for torpedoes and other stores opens behind the wing. The aircraft also includes six additional body fuel tanks for extended range from Marshall Aerospace; three of the tanks are located in the forward cargo compartment and three in the rear.

In U.S. service the Poseidon will be complemented by the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance UAV system, which will provide continuous surveillance. The system is expected to enter service around 2010. Around 40 UAVs based on the RQ-4 Global Hawk will be used in the program. Because of the cancellation of Lockheed Martin's Aerial Common Sensor project, Boeing will propose a signals intelligence variant of the P-8 to service the requirement for the U.S. Navy.[54]

[edit] Variants

  • P-8A Poseidon – Production variant for the U.S. Navy.
  • P-8I Neptune – Export variant for the Indian Navy.[55]
  • P-8 AGS – An Airborne Ground Surveillance variant proposed to the U.S. Air Force in 2010 as an alternate to upgrades to the Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS fleet.[56] Its design adds a pod-mounted, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar on the bottom of the fuselage.[57]

[edit] Operators

 United States

 India

  • Indian Navy has 12 aircraft on order with deliveries beginning in 2013.[29][33] A total of 24 is planned to be ordered.[43]

[edit] Specifications (P-8A)

Data from US Navy P-8A Fact File,[59] and Boeing[60][61]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

Avionics

  • Raytheon APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar[52]
  • (Advanced Airborne Sensor surface search radar and SIGINT package to be follow on system[62])

[edit] See also

Portal icon United States Navy portal
Portal icon Aviation portal

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b "Boeing P-8A Poseidon Successfully Completes 1st Flight". Boeing, 27 April 2009.
  2. ^ a b "Boeing P-8A Poseidon Aircraft T3 Enters Flight Test". Boeing, 2 August 2010.
  3. ^ "P-3C Orion long range ASW aircraft." Navy.mil,, 18 February 2009. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  4. ^ "Lockheed Loses to Survive". Flight International, 1-7 August 1990.
  5. ^ "Boeing 737 MMA". Flug Revue, 17 June 2004.
  6. ^ Cortes, Lorenzo and Amy Butler. "Boeing Wins Navy's $3.88 Billion MMA Bid Over Lockheed Martin". Defense Daily, 15 June 2004.
  7. ^ Lewis, Paul (2002-10-08). "BAE pulls out of MMA competition; Lack of US partner prompts Nimrod MRA4 withdrawal". Flight International (Reed Business Information UK): p. 5. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2002/10/08/155930/bae-pulls-out-of-mma-competition.html. Retrieved 2006-12-06. 
  8. ^ "Boeing Team Wins $3.89 Billion Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft Program". Boeing, May 14, 2004. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  9. ^ "Boeing to Develop Navy's Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft". U.S. Navy, 15 June 2004. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  10. ^ a b P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA). US Navy, 17 February 2009. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  11. ^ "Boeing-led Poseidon Team Begins Production of First P-8A Fuselage". Boeing, 12 December 2007. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  12. ^ Hatcher, Renee. "MMA is designated P-8A". U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), 1 April 2005. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  13. ^ GAO-09-326SP Assessments of Major Weapon Programs. GAO
  14. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Boeing P-8A approved to launch production". Flight International, 13 August 2010. Retrieved: 28 September 2011.
  15. ^ "P-8A Poseidon milestone reached". AirForces Monthly, 13 August 2010.
  16. ^ "U.S. Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon launches first sonobuoys" Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 22 October 2010. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  17. ^ "Counterfeit Parts found on the P-8". defensetech.org. http://defensetech.org/2011/11/08/counterfeit-parts-found-on-new-p-8-posiedons/#more-15268. 
  18. ^ Baglole, Joel. "P-8 Poseidon – Future Aircraft of the U.S. Navy". About.com. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/antisubmarine/a/poseidon.htm. Retrieved June 7, 2011. 
  19. ^ "P-8 Program Already Looking Into Crystal Ball - Farnborough News".[dead link] Defense News. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  20. ^ "U.S. MMA Decision Reverberates in Italy". Aviation Week & Space Technology, 21 June 2004.
  21. ^ "Eyes Forward. Italy Chose ATR 72s for Sea Surveillance, But Still Awaits UAV Type Selection". Aviation Week and Space Technology, December 15, 2008. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  22. ^ Four ATR72MP to replace the ageing Italian fleet of Br.1150 Atlantic « David Cenciotti's weblog
  23. ^ Dedalonews » Quattro ATR 72 da pattugliamento marittimo per l’Aeronautica Militare. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  24. ^ "First Pass Approval for Orion Replacement" (Press release). The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson, Minister for Defence. 2007-07-20. http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/NelsonMintpl.cfm?CurrentId=6875. Retrieved 2007-09-16. [dead link]
  25. ^ Avalon 2009: Australia looks set to join P-8 programme, ASIA PACIFIC. Jane's
  26. ^ Air Marshal Mark Binskin - Defense News
  27. ^ "U.S. Navy Eyes Three Nations For Possible Role In MMA". Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, 5 November 2004. Retrieved: 28 September 2011.
  28. ^ India eyes $2b defence deal with US
  29. ^ a b Pandit, Rajat (5 Jan 2009). "India inks largest-ever defence deal with US". The Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_inks_largest-ever_defence_deal_with_US/articleshow/3934357.cms. Retrieved 5 January 2009. 
  30. ^ "Boeing P-8I Selected as Indian Navy's Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft". Boeing, 6 January 2009.
  31. ^ "India, US to ink arms deal worth Rs 10,700 crore". Rediff News
  32. ^ P-8 Replacing Tu-142. strategypage.com, 29 December 2008. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  33. ^ a b "Boeing to Sell Eight Reconnaissance Planes to India". bloomberg, 6 January 2009.
  34. ^ "Rs 20,000-cr booster for Navy's sea lift, snooping capabilities". Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  35. ^ Press Information Bureau English Releases
  36. ^ Gulati, Nikhil (31 March 2011). "India Orders More Boeing Maritime Planes". The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703712504576234453144383930.html. 
  37. ^ Boeing gets equipment from BEL for Indian Navy aircraft
  38. ^ 8ak - Indian Defence News
  39. ^ Boeing to use BEL designed Datalink-II | Siasat
  40. ^ BEL supplies P-8I aircraft equipment to Boeing. thehindu.com
  41. ^ Wallace, James. "Boeing wins first military contract with India". Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 6 January 2009. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  42. ^ "P-8i: India’s Navy Picks Its Future High-End Maritime Patrol Aircraft". Defense Industry Daily, 27 December 2010. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  43. ^ a b "Indian Navy to induct 24 Boeing P8-I Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft". India Strategic, December 2011.
  44. ^ "Uncertainty, perseverance characterized local Joint STARS mission". The Warner Robins Patriot, 4 March 2011.
  45. ^ "Boeing Pitches P-8 Variant to Replace JSTARS". Flight International, 18 Feb. 2010.
  46. ^ P-8 Airborne Ground Surveillance. Boeing, Retrieved: 3 February 2012.
  47. ^ "P-8 Airborne Ground Surveillance." Boeing, Retrieved: 3 February 2012.
  48. ^ "Boeing looks to sell more 737-based military jets". Seattle PI, 9 June 2011.
  49. ^ Joint STARS Mission Area Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) RFI. hanscom.af.mil
  50. ^ "B-8A Poseidon: Overview". Boeing. http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/p8a/index.html. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  51. ^ "New MMA wingtips combat icing". Flight International, 7 June 2005. Retrieved: 15 March 2011.
  52. ^ a b Multi-Mission Maritime and Overland Surveillance Radar - AN/APY-10. Raytheon[dead link]
  53. ^ "Raytheon to Develop International Version of APY-10 Radar for P-8I". Theasiandefence.blogspot.com, July 18, 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2011
  54. ^ "Boeing unveils new 737 signals intelligence concept". Flight International, 26 January 2006. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  55. ^ PICTURE: India's first 737-based P-8I nears flight debut. Flight
  56. ^ "Boeing Pitches P-8 Variant to Replace JSTARS". Flight International, 18 February 2010.
  57. ^ P-8 Airborne Ground Surveillance. Boeing, Retrieved: 3 February 2012.
  58. ^ P-8A Poseidon | NAVAIR - U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command - Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation
  59. ^ "P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft". United States Navy, 25 January 2007. Retrieved 15 March 2011
  60. ^ "P-8A Poseidon". Boeing. Retrieved 6 July 2007.
  61. ^ "P-8A Poseidon: Backgrounder" (PDF). Boeing. http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/p8a/docs/P-8A_overview.pdf. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 
  62. ^ "Raytheon Secures Prime Development Contract for Advanced Airborne Sensor". PRNewswire.com. 31 July 2009. http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-31-2009/0005069732&EDATE=. Retrieved 15 March 2011. 

[edit] External links

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