L3Harris Selected by US Navy for Maintenance of P-8A Poseidon Fleet.

The U.S. Navy has awarded L3Harris Technologies a contract to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for its P-8A Poseidon fleet. This fleet, consisting of 135 aircraft, plays a vital role in maritime patrol and reconnaissance, as well as in long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This contract highlights L3Harris' expertise in supporting advanced military aircraft platforms and strengthens the long-standing relationship between the company and the U.S. Navy.
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A P-8A Poseidon assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 takes off from the runway at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, Jan. 17, 2024 (Picture source: US DoD)

The P-8A Poseidon is a multi-role maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft developed by the U.S. Navy to replace the P-3C Orion. Primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, and ISR missions, the P-8A can operate across vast maritime and littoral areas and also conduct search and rescue operations. The aircraft offers enhanced combat capabilities due to its extended range, greater payload capacity, and open-system architecture, all while operating with a smaller crew. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as synthetic aperture radar, an electro-optical and infrared turret, and improved acoustic systems for simultaneous passive and active signal processing.

Powered by two CFM 56-7B engines, each providing 27,300 pounds of thrust, the P-8A can achieve higher cruising altitudes than its predecessor. It measures 39.47 meters in length with a wingspan of 37.64 meters and has a maximum takeoff weight of 85,820 kg. Capable of carrying a range of armaments, including torpedoes and cruise missiles, the P-8A is also fitted for air-to-air refueling. Its design allows for seamless interoperability with traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors, offering unmatched operational flexibility.

Built by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, the P-8A Poseidon has been in service since 2013. To date, over 150 units have been produced and are in service with various nations, including the U.S., Australia, India, the U.K., and Norway. The U.S. Navy operates around 135 aircraft, while other allied nations have gradually integrated the P-8A into their maritime defense fleets. The program continues to evolve with planned incremental upgrades to address emerging ASW threats.

L3Harris has extensive experience in supporting and modifying military aircraft, having worked for decades on the P-3 Orion, the predecessor to the P-8A. This expertise extends beyond the U.S., with L3Harris having provided similar services to international clients, including Brazil, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea. Jason Lambert, president of the ISR division at L3Harris, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing integration and support solutions for mission success. He also expressed eagerness to continue supporting the U.S. Navy and its international partners under this new contract.

Maintenance and overhaul work on the P-8A Poseidon fleet will begin this year at L3Harris’ aircraft modification facility in Waco, Texas, and continue through September 2029. This contract ensures critical support for one of the U.S. Navy’s main reconnaissance and warfare platforms and underscores the importance of maintaining operational readiness for the fleet in the coming years.