Boeing
delivered the sixth production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U.S. Navy
Jan. 31, successfully completing the first group of low-rate initial
production aircraft that are dramatically improving the service's maritime
patrol capabilities.
The delivery is the final aircraft from a contract awarded in January
2011. Boeing is on schedule to build 24 P-8A maritime patrol aircraft
as part of contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012.
"The P-8 team continues to incorporate efficiencies into our production
as we ramp up deliveries in 2013," said Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice
president and P-8 program manager. "We've reduced flow times and
costs, which ultimately benefits our U.S. Navy customer."
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The
U.S. Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As, which are based on the Next-Generation
Boeing 737-800 platform. It is a versatile multi-mission aircraft that
provides broad long-range maritime patrol capabilities -- anti-submarine
warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
It is replacing the U.S. Navy's P-3 fleet.
"This aircraft delivery marks the beginning of a new era of maritime
patrol aircraft," said Capt. Scott Dillon, Maritime Patrol and
Reconnaissance Aircraft program manager. "The first fleet squadron
is now equipped with P-8s, and will soon deploy with a maritime patrol
capability that is greatly enhanced relative to our legacy P-3 force."
The next three Poseidon aircraft are undergoing mission systems installation
and checkout in Seattle, and two more are in final assembly in Renton,
Wash. Boeing will deliver its seventh production P-8A to the Navy later
this quarter.
As part of the LRIP contracts, Boeing is also providing maintenance
training for the Navy, in addition to logistics support, spares, support
equipment and tools. |
