The P-8 Programme

[buglerbilly]

DATE:09/02/10

SOURCE:Flight InternationalBoeing outlines further slip to P-8 programme

By Leithen Francis

Boeing expects to fly its first P-8 multi-mission maritime aircraft to a US Navy test site in the third quarter of this year, following a fresh schedule delay.

Director of business development for airborne battle management Tim Norgart says development aircraft T1 and T2 are now in Seattle undergoing flight tests, and that the first will to be moved to NAS Patuxent River in six months.

Boeing had planned to ferry the test aircraft to the Maryland site last September, and then delayed the event until the first quarter of this year. Norgart says both aircraft could be moved sooner, but that the USN needs more time to prepare its test facilities.

The USN plans to order 117 of the 737-based type, while Boeing is also working to sell a P-8I version to the Indian navy.

Speaking at the Singapore air show, Norgart revealed that the company is "in the process of integrating an aft radar" with the P-8 to meet Indian requirements for 360° coverage and an air-to-air surveillance capability.

The work is being conducted with Raytheon, which already provides the APY-10 radar for the P-8. The nose-mounted sensor currently provides a coverage of 240°.

[tiddles]

This is not new info but I cant remember if this story about Saudi interest in the P8 was on the previous T5C or not so here goes. Also a link to the Arabian Aerospace site for anyone who has not got it ,worth an occasional look.
http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/
Tiddles

Is Saudi Arabia next for the Poseidon adventure?
Posted on 25 January 2010 in Defence
Saudi Arabia could be in the market for the submarine-buster, the Boeing P-8 Poseidon. We look at what the Kingdom could get for its money.

Boeing has orders for the P-8 Poseidon already ‘in the bag’ from the US Navy and India, and Australia is participating in the development programme but has not yet committed to purchase the aircraft

The company is now turning its attentions to further potential customers – most of them currently operating the P-3 Orion. But the most likely next customer, according to programme insiders, is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Boeing P-8 is the US Navy’s newest maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft and 117 are expected to be ordered to replace the US Navy’s Lockheed P-3 Orions, with at least eight more going to the Indian Navy.

The P-8 is a military derivative version of the next-generation 737-800, with a strengthened fuselage, a wing based on that of the 737-900, and raked wingtips like those on the Model 767-400ER, instead of the blended winglets available on 737NG variants. Boeing is using the P-8A programme to establish best practices for the use of commercial airplane platforms, production processes, and capabilities on its military products.

The aircraft carries six additional fuselage fuel tanks, manufactured by Marshall Aerospace, three in the forward cargo compartment and three in the rear, for extended range. It has an open architecture mission system based on that developed by Boeing for the UK’s Nimrod MRA Mk 4 programme, and thus now extensively ‘derisked’ on that aircraft.

The primary sensors are a new AN/APY-10 radar developed for the P-8A, advanced ESM, and acoustics. The aircraft can then engage targets using SLAM-ER missiles or Lockheed Mk 54 Longshot torpedoes, optimized for dropping from medium level, and developed under the High Altitude ASW Weapons Concept (HAAWC) programme. As a result, Boeing claims that the P-8A is “the world’s most advanced long-range maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft”.

As such, the type has already attracted interest from a number of the world’s leading naval air arms, including Saudi Arabia’s, where any P-8 acquisition would form part of a planned major naval modernisation programme, made possible by the recent spike in oil prices, and necessitated by continuing regional tension, not least over Iran’s nuclear aspirations.

Saudi Arabia’s defence spending totalled $36bn by the end of last year, and the proposed naval modernisation may eventually be worth as more than $20bn.

Saudi Arabia has asked the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency to assist in formulating and structuring the modernization programme, which will include the procurement of new ships (smaller combat ships from Lockheed Martin or General Dynamics) and a range of maritime aviation assets.

It is believed that Saudi Arabia has a requirement for six P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, worth a reported US $1.3 billion, and that these aircraft would be augmented by purchases of Sikorsky SH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters and Northrop Grumman Fire Scout unmanned helicopters.

Saudi interest in the P-8 was revealed when Boeing advertised for a “VP for business development in Riyadh”, including the type in the list of systems that the company would be marketing to the kingdom!

Saudi Arabia is merely at the leading edge of a major defence modernization effort in the Gulf region and Boeing has hinted that it could see other states in the area acquiring P-8As, though none operate equivalent types at the moment.

The first three ‘flight test’ P-8s are now flying in support of the company’s development programme and Boeing has completed static and fatigue test examples. Three further production representative test aircraft are taking shape on the dedicated new ITAR-compliant production line at Renton, where wings, empennages and engines are mated to fuselage sections shipped in from Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita, Kansas.

The baseline ‘Increment 1’ P-8 is expected to enter service in 2013, with Increment 2 aircraft (incorporating ‘Spiral 1’ capability enhancements) following in 2015, and the planned full standard Increment 3 aircraft, with ‘Spiral 2’ in 2018.

[Deks]

Is the absence of a magnetic anomaly detector something that is going to cause issues to nations switching from P-3 to P-8? Or does that show the change in tactics used these days for ASW warfare? Sorry if these are silly questions, I don't know a great deal about the subject.

[Mercator]

It's a tactics thing. MAD isn't really a search sensor, it's a tracking sensor, so you don't really spend hours combing the ocean at 300 feet hoping for a hit (although it has been done). Instead, you generally use it in the final stages of your tracking so that you can precisely deploy a weapon. Now in the good old days you could do that at 300 feet and there probably wouldn't be any consequences. But these days, submarines have a habit of fighting back with things like surface-to-air missiles that can be tethered in some sort of bouy or perhaps even autonomous, so the trend in the future will be for weapons that are deployed from high-level or with some serious stand-off. If you are using MAD you will probably have to do the same (stand-off) and use a UAV. If you look around you'll see that there are UAVs in development with MAD sensors that can be launched like a sonobouy from maritime patrol aircraft, like the P-3 and the P-8, and that's the future for the sensor.

[buglerbilly]

Boeing P-8A Poseidon Completes 1st In-flight Test of Mission Systems

SEATTLE, June 10, 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] P-8A Poseidon aircraft T2 successfully completed the program's first mission systems test flight on June 8 in Seattle. T2 will be used to verify integrated mission systems performance during flights in Seattle and at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

During the three-hour flight, the joint Boeing and Navy test team exercised mission computing on all five operator workstations and successfully demonstrated key systems -- including acoustics, mission planning, tactical data-link, communications, electronic support measures and flight test instrumentation -- for the first time.

"This successful flight moves us a step closer to getting the Poseidon and its next-generation radar and sensors into the hands of the warfighter," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "Future flights will demonstrate the state-of-the-art systems that will provide the Navy superior performance well into the 21st century."

T2 is one of five test aircraft that are being assembled and tested as part of the U.S. Navy System Development and Demonstration contract Boeing received in 2004. Boeing's T1 airworthiness-test aircraft entered flight testing in October 2009 and arrived at the Navy's Patuxent River facility in April 2010.

The Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.

[buglerbilly]

Second P-8A Moves To Pax River Testing Site

Jun 23, 2010

By Robert Wall

Boeing has shifted the second P-8A to the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., to support the U.S. Navy maritime patrol aircraft’s development program, and the company also is finishing up work on the third and final flight test aircraft.

The second P-8A, designated T-2, is the first with the primary mission system. The aircraft, which first flew with the mission equipment installed on June 8, was shifted to Pax River on June 19.

Prior to that it already underwent system checkout during a mission operating alongside a U.S. Navy P-3 based at Whidbey Island, Wash., according to Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president in charge of the project.

Flight trials with T-3 are due to begin in the third quarter. The aircraft also will be used for mission system testing, but the key role will be weapons certification. The P-8A is to carry torpedoes and the Boeing-built Standoff Land Attack Missile – Expanded Response.

Dabundo says that the program remains “in good shape” to meet the late 2013 initial operational capability (IOC) target the Navy has set. Reaching IOC will involve six aircraft to be bought under the first low-rate initial production contract, as well as availability of aircraft T4-6, which will be used to train personnel (deliveries of those three aircraft are planned for the second, third and fourth quarter of next year).

Meanwhile, the Navy is finalizing plans for the increment 2 aircraft (also called spiral 1) for upgrades to the P-8A that would be introduced in 2016. The enhancements will center on expanding the acoustic capabilities of the submarine-hunting aircraft. Australia is involved in the dialogue as part of the country’s discussions to become the second export customer for the P-8, following India, which is buying eight P-8Is. Another upgrade, increment three (or Spiral 2), would follow in 2019.

Next month Boeing and India plan to conduct the final design review. First-aircraft construction would begin in the fourth quarter, with deliveries to India to start in 2012. The Indian aircraft features a few differences from the P-8A, including a magnetic anomaly detector, second sea-search radar to provide 360 deg. coverage (Boeing has selected, but not identified the supplier), and air-to-air search capabilities.

Credit: Boeing

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon Awarded Radar Contract for P-8I Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has received a contract from Boeing to develop an international version of the APY-10 surveillance radar.

The long-range, multimission, maritime and overland surveillance radars will be installed on the P-8I aircraft Boeing is building for the Indian Navy. This is the first international contract award for Raytheon's APY-10 program, extending the company's considerable presence in the international maritime surveillance market.

"Our APY-10 radar will provide the Indian navy with proven, low-risk technology built on generations of successful Raytheon radar systems," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. "We're committed to providing reliable systems that keep our customers safe and help them achieve mission success."

The APY-10 radar delivers accurate and actionable information in all weather, day and night, for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare and for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission support.

A member of the industry team that Boeing leads for the U.S. Navy's P-8A program, Raytheon is also under contract with Boeing to provide six APY-10 systems and spares for the P-8A, of which the P-8I is a variant. Four of the six have been delivered, and Raytheon remains on or ahead of the production schedule.

[buglerbilly]

Indian P-8I Clears Final Design Review

Jul 21, 2010

By Guy Norris guy_norris@aviationweek.com
FARNBOROUGH

Boeing has completed the final design review for the Indian Navy 737-based maritime patrol P-8I, a variant of the U.S. Navy’s P-8a, and is preparing to begin fabrication of the first aircraft in the fourth quarter.

The milestone for the Indian Navy, which has ordered eight P-8Is, comes as the U.S. Navy passes the 50 flight hour point on T1, the initial test aircraft, at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland. T1 arrived at the Navy facility in April, and is focused primarily on airworthiness and envelope expansion. “The test program is on track, and we have high confidence we will meet our initial operational clearance target of 2013,” says Naval Air Systems Command P-8A principal deputy program manager Martin Ahmad.

T2, the primary mission system test airframe, has amassed 30 flight hours on eight flights since arriving in June. Before the aircraft transited from Boeing’s Seattle manufacturing base it successfully undertook a two-hour anti-submarine warfare (ASW) test flight in conjunction with a Navy P-3 during which it continually tracked a target for two hours. Most recently, T2 completed a communication-navigation system verification test flight.

The third aircraft, T3, will be used for weapons certification work and is due to arrive at Patuxent River in the next two months. Assembly of the first three production-representative airframes, T4, 5 and 6, is also underway with T4 moving through the Renton final assembly site. Fuselages for T5 and 6 are now being assembled at Spirit AeroSystems facility in Wichita, Kansas. Boeing has also conducted more than 110 test conditions on the static test airframe S1, and expects to start the first of two simulated lifetime cyclic tests on the fatigue airframe, S2, early in 2011.

The Navy also continues to define the upgrade roadmap beyond the 2016 increment 2 step, formerly known as Spriral 1. “There are lots of decisions to go, though we’re focusing in on a couple of areas,” says Ahmad. These include net-ready capability and advanced weapons. Milestone A for increment 3 is set for 2012, around the same time as Milestone B for increment 2. This earlier upgrade, now more closely defined, includes enhanced ASW, an automated information system and a high altitude-deployable ASW weapon — a Mk 54 torpedo with wingkits. Deployment from higher altitude will result in less airframe fatigue, says Ahmad.

[Deks]

I'm somewhat surprised that they're not going to wait until testing of the P-8A is concluded so as to benefit from any lessons learned. Interesting.

[JimWH]

The schedule for the RAAF is post 2015 isn't it? By which time, hopefully, P-8 will be close enough to the capabilities of the AP-3C for the move not to constitute a serious downgrade in capabilities. IIRC Abe mentioned around the time of the White Paper that the plan was for money to be found to develop a specific ESM sub-variant of the P-8 in the same fashion as we're done with the AP-3C (i.e. not a dedicated ESM aircraft, but an MPA with specific ESM capabilities in addition to it's other mission system) which would then allow the RAAF in the 2015-2020 timeline to retire the last AP-3C and bring the P-8 fleet to 11-12 (i.e. a number more closely approaching sensible than 8). Any word on whether the plan has progressed beyond wishful thinking.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:02/08/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Boeing enters 3rd P-8A into flight test

By Stephen Trimble

Boeing has introduced the third and last dedicated flight test aircraft for the P-8A anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol programme.

The aircraft named T3 - a mission systems and weapons testing aircraft -- completed its first flight test on 29 July at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington.

T3 in a few weeks will join the first two flight test aircraft currently based at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland.



Boeing has spent the last 10 months modifying T3 with mission systems after completing first flight on 23 September.

The P-8A test fleet includes two aircraft -- S1 and S2 -- for static and fatigue evaluations.

The US Navy plans to buy 117 P-8As to partly replace about 230 Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion fleet over the next 10 years. The P-3C also is being replaced by a new fleet of unmanned aircraft called the Broad Area Maritime Systems (BAMS), with the Northrop Grumman RQ-4N as the selected platform.

The Indian Navy, meanwhile, has placed an order for the P-8I, which will also include an aft-mounted radar for 360º coverage and an air-to-air tracking mode. Boeing completed final design review for the P-8I on 16 July.

[buglerbilly]

P-8A Poseidon program reaches Milestone C

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The Navy’s new submarine hunting aircraft program has received approval to begin low rate production.

The P-8A program reached Milestone C August 11, after a comprehensive review and subsequent approval by the Defense Acquisition Board. This approval brings the Poseidon one step closer to Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the fleet in 2013. NAS Jacksonville will host the first operational P-8A squadron.

“The team has worked extremely hard to reach this major acquisition milestone,” said PMA-290 Program Manager Capt. Mike Moran. “The airplane is performing very well in testing which should result in an on-time and on-budget delivery to the warfighters.”

The P-8A will replace the P-3C that has served the Navy since the 1960s as the primary aircraft for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

--30—


Photo



One of the Navy’s new P-8A Poseidon test aircraft turns toward home at NAS Patuxent River, Md. during a test flight. The P-8A program reached Milestone C and is now cleared for low rate production.

U.S. Navy photo

[buglerbilly]

DATE:16/08/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Boeing P-8A approved to launch production

By Stephen Trimble

The Boeing P-8A programme has received approval to begin ramping up production shortly before the anti-submarine warfare aircraft enters the last two years of development and flight test.

The Defense Acquisition Board, which oversees all major acquisitions, verbally approved the P-8A to enter the first year of low rate initial production (LRIP), according to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), which expects an official written memo within three to four weeks to clarify how many aircraft will be built during the LRIP phase.

Clearing the LRIP approval hurdle marks the third of four major milestones for any US military acquisition. The next step for the P-8A will be entering full-rate production.

NAVAIR plans to buy 117 P-8A Poseidons up to fiscal year 2018 as half of the plan to replace about 225 Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions. The navy also aims to buy the Northrop Grumman RQ-4N broad area maritime surveillanceUAV, an unmanned system that will serve as an adjunct to the P-8A.

The P-8A is a military version of Boeing's 737-800 airliner. Changes include the wings from the -900ER model and the addition of a weapons bay as well as sensors and launchers for sonobuoys.

Boeing has delivered the first two flight-test prototypes for the P-8A programme to NAS Patuxent River in Maryland. The third flight-test aircraft will arrive "shortly". Meanwhile, the fourth flight-test aircraft is "moving through the factory" in Renton, Washington, Boeing says.

[buglerbilly]

P-8A launches first sonobuoys

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- One of three P-8A test aircraft completed several sonobuoy launches on Friday, October 15. This event marks the first time the new Poseidon has launched sonobuoys since it began testing at NAS Patuxent River this summer.

A total of six sonobuoys were involved in three low altitude launches at the Atlantic Test Range. The range provides airspace for safe operating clearance of test missions.

Each P-8A employs a rotary launch system that uses three launchers with the capacity to hold 10 sonobuoys each and the capability of launching single and multiple shots. The system can accommodate any sized sonobuoy and the storage capacity of 120 is 50 percent greater than the P-3.

This event is just one integral part of the P-8A’s overall weapons system testing mission. Initial operating capability on the P-8A is scheduled for 2013 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida.


Photo Caption:
A P-8A Poseidon flies near the Chesapeake Bay in preparation for another test event. (U.S. Navy photo)

[buglerbilly]

Boeing opens new P-8 production facility in Seattle

November 11, 2010

Boeing today celebrated the opening of a new P-8 aircraft production facility near Boeing Field in Seattle. The refurbished factory gives Boeing and its P-8 teammates the space they need to install mission systems and conduct tests on aircraft for current and future customers.

"The new factory is a great fit as Boeing transitions to building production aircraft, in part because it allows us to incorporate a leaner workflow," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "We'll complete work on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the US Navy and the P-8I aircraft for the Indian navy in this facility, and plan to use this space for future P-8 customers' aircraft as well."

The US Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its existing P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is scheduled for 2013. The Indian navy signed a contract for eight P-8I aircraft in January 2009. Boeing will deliver the first P-8I within 48 months of contract signing, and the remaining seven by 2015.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes employees assemble the P-8 aircraft -- which are based on the company's Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane -- in Renton, Wash. Following final assembly, the P-8s make a short flight to Boeing Field. Inside the new facility, Defense, Space & Security employees will complete systems installation and testing prior to customer delivery.

Boeing is using a proven in-line production process to efficiently design and build the aircraft. All aircraft modifications unique to the P-8 are made in sequence during fabrication and assembly. Implementing established best practices and common, commercial production-system tools enables the team to reduce flow time and cost while ensuring quality.

As part of the US Navy System Development and Demonstration contract Boeing received in 2004, the team is building and testing six flight-test and two ground-test aircraft. The first three flight-test aircraft are completing testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

The P-8 is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, GE Aviation and BAE Systems.

Source: Boeing

[Deks]

P-8A launches first sonobuoys
Each P-8A employs a rotary launch system that uses three launchers with the capacity to hold 10 sonobuoys each and the capability of launching single and multiple shots. The system can accommodate any sized sonobuoy and the storage capacity of 120 is 50 percent greater than the P-3.


Either their math is off, or the P-8 can hold 4 of the rotary launch systems they mention. Does that sound right?

[Mercator]

The rotary launchers are reloadable from racks of sonobuoys and other air launched stores. While advances are being made on some models, for the most part, you have to preset the life and depth of bouys before you chuck them out. So the in-flight technician or any other spare body down the back will be taking orders from the Tacco about what to load into the launchers and what settings should be on them. There is also a freefall tube in there somewhere so that can throw out smokes and sound signalling devices should the need arise. Three rotary launchers will be more than adequate for a quick barrier spread or something like that. There will be plenty of time for the operators to catch up and reload.

[Mercator]

Here's a picture of a very unattractive Canadian checking the settings of the sonobouys. You can see the little windows on the side of it where you set the depth, life and the channel number (on some).

[ADMk2]

What are you talking about? She's gorgeous! Wait. She is correct, isn't it?

[Deks]

Thanks Mercator! I understand completely. :)


What are you talking about? She's gorgeous! Wait. She is correct, isn't it?

To be honest, not sure. !

[buglerbilly]

Telephonics Corporation to Supply Aft Radar for India’s P-8i Maritime Patrol Aircraft

(Source: Telephonics Corporation; issued November 22, 2010)

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. --- Telephonics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Griffon Corporation, announced today that its Radar Systems Division has received a contract from The Boeing Company to supply APS-143C(V)3 Multi-Mode Radar (MMR) for India’s P-8i aircraft. The contract includes systems to support [eight] P-8i Aft Radar installations integration and support services.

“We are very pleased to have been selected for this important program,” said Kevin McSweeney, President of the Radar Systems Division. “We are looking forward to supporting Boeing on this program and to further serving the Indian Defence Force on future programs.”

The Telephonics APS-143C(V)3 has become the performance standard in maritime patrol aircraft and multi-mission maritime helicopters. In addition to the aft radar on the P-8i, the APS-143C(V)3 is performing on the USCG HC-144A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and HU-25D Falcon Jet. The APS-143 is featured on most international S-70 Naval Hawk helicopters and certain NH-90, Super Lynx and other Maritime Helicopters.

Telephonics' high-technology engineering and manufacturing capabilities provide integrated information, communication and sensor system solutions to military and commercial markets worldwide. Griffon Corporation, headquartered in New York, N.Y., is a diversified management and holding company that conducts business through wholly-owned subsidiaries.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Boeing team begins building Indian Navy's 1st P-8I aircraft

December 07, 2010

The Boeing P-8I team began fabricating the first part for the Indian navy's first long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft on Dec. 6 in Wichita. The P-8I, based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the US Navy.

Employees at Spirit AeroSystems -- where all Boeing Next-Generation 737 fuselages, nacelles and pylons are designed and built -- cut the P-8I's first part, a bonded aluminum panel that later will be installed on the fuselage's upper lobe to support an antenna. The panel and other fuselage components will come together on Spirit's existing Next-Generation 737 production line.

"Today marks the P-8I program's move from the design phase to the build phase," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "We're on schedule and the Indian navy is looking forward to receiving its first plane."

Spirit will ship the P-8I fuselage to a Boeing Commercial Airplanes facility in Renton, Wash., in mid-2011 for final assembly. After that, Boeing Defense, Space & Security employees will install mission systems and complete testing prior to delivery to India.

"P-8I fuselage sections are designed and built using the same processes we use on the commercial 737," said Mike King, Spirit AeroSystems Fuselage Segment senior vice president/general manager. "We've built seven P-8A fuselages to date and continue to increase efficiency as we move forward."

Boeing will deliver the first of eight P-8I aircraft to India within 48 months of the original contract signing, which took place in January 2009. India is the first international customer for the P-8.

The P-8I will provide India with speed, reliability, persistence and room for growth to satisfy the country's maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements now and well into the future. The aircraft features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.

Source: Boeing

[buglerbilly]

Pentagon Contract Announcement

(Source: U.S Department of Defense; issued January 21, 2011)


The P-8A’s initial production award covers six aircraft with support package, and has been converted into a fixed-price contract with incentives. (Navair photo)

The Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $1,529,224,045 modification to definitize the previously awarded advance acquisition P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) Low Rate Initial Production I contract (N00019-09-C-0022) to a fixed-price-incentive-firm contract.

This modification provides for the procurement of six P-8A MMA and associated spares, support equipment and tools, logistics support, trainers and courseware.

Work will be performed in Seattle, Wash. (76 percent); Hazelwood, Mo. (10 percent ); Baltimore, Md. (4 percent); Greenlawn, N.Y. (2 percent); Tampa, Fla. ( 2 percent); McKinney, Texas (1 percent); North Amityville, N.Y. (1 percent); Hauppauge, N.Y. (1 percent); Anaheim, Calif. (1 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (1 percent); and Rockford, Ill. (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed in January 2013.

Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Naval Air System Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (ends)

Navy to Begin Initial Production of P-8A

(Source: Naval Air Systems Command; issued January 21, 2011)

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- The U.S. Navy announced today the award of a $1.6 billion contract to Boeing for P-8A Poseidon aircraft Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of six aircraft.

This first LRIP contract also includes spares, logistics and training devices. Production of the first LRIP aircraft will begin this summer at Boeing’s Renton, Wash. facility.

“In 2004, the U.S. Navy and the Boeing Company made a commitment to deliver the next generation maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to support a 2013 Initial Operational Capability (IOC),” said Capt. Mike Moran, PMA 290 Program Manager. “This contract and these aircraft keep that commitment on track.”

Three of the six flight test aircraft, built as part of the System Development and Demonstration contract awarded to Boeing in 2004, are in various stages of testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. The Integrated Test Team has conducted sonobuoy releases and counter measures deployments.

Recently, one of two static test planes completed full scale testing on the P-8A airframe. The first static test aircraft underwent 154 different tests with no failure of the primary structure. The second aircraft will begin fatigue testing this year.

The U.S. Navy plans to purchase 117 production P-8A aircraft to replace its P-3 Fleet. IOC is planned for 2013 at NAS Jacksonville, Fla.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon awarded APY-10 radar contract for Boeing's P-8A aircraft

February 03, 2011

Boeing has awarded Raytheon Company a low rate initial production contract to develop six long-range, multimission maritime and overland surveillance radars plus spares for its P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

"Our APY-10 radar will provide Boeing with advanced technology built on generations of successful Raytheon radar systems," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. "We're committed to providing reliable systems that keep our customers safe and help them achieve mission success."

The radars will be delivered to Boeing as part of the P-8A contract with the US Navy. The P-8A replaces the P-3 aircraft and will be used for surveillance along the US coastline.

The APY-10, the premier sensor for maritime and overland missions, was designed for the Navy's Poseidon aircraft and will replace the APS-137 radar. Building on more than 40 years of proven Raytheon technology, it delivers accurate and actionable information in all weather, day and night, for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

A member of the Boeing-led industry team for the Navy's P-8A program, Raytheon has previously delivered four APY-10 systems and spares to Boeing and is contracted to deliver an additional nine systems for the Navy's P-8A.

Source: Raytheon

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

The Spinning Mango Of Death

Posted by Bill Sweetman at 2/4/2011 7:09 AM CST

Raytheon has received a low-rate initial production contract for the APY-10 radar that equips Boeing's P-8A Poseidon, the Navy's replacement for the veteran P-3 Orion. (Mike Fabey updates on the P-8A in the latest issue of DTI.)

In a phone conference on Thursday, Raytheon business development manager Brad Hopper noted that the APY-10 will include a special mode for detecting submarine periscopes.

This was interesting, since at one time the Navy had said in budget documents that it was going to leave the Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination (ARPDD) mode off the P-8A radar, and concentrate on developing that capability for the MH-60R helicopter's Telephonics APS-147 and the mast-mounted Northrop Grumman SPS-74(V) radar for Nimitz-class carriers (logically, since those are the tallest masts in the group).

ARPDD is the result of a very long development program involving the Navy-oriented Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory as well as Raytheon (previously Texas Instruments).

The challenge is to pick out a small, stealth-treated, slow-moving object out of sea clutter - and moreover, one that is transient. Now that periscopes have high-definition TV sensors that equal the acuity of direct optics, the submarine can pop up the mast, make one scan and drop it back into the water. The crew can then review the scene at leisure and zoom in digitally on potential targets.

How ARPDD is supposed to work is classified, but a 1997 JHL paper provides some clues. The basic technique involves the ability to track thousands of targets, and then sift through those tracks and eliminate those that don’t look or behave like periscopes.

The goal at the time was no more than one false alarm (that is, a false periscope declaration) per sortie. High range resolution cuts down on clutter within each detection cell, while high scan rates (up to 300 rpm) make it possible to accurately measure very small target movements.

This requires three characteristics from the radar: very fast processing using unique algorithms; good clutter rejection; and a high scan rate. Interestingly, mechanically scanned radars are better at rejecting ocean clutter than active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs) in the current state of the art, so the APY-10 remains the last hold-out of the airborne M-scan. (It also looks as if the APY-10 has a 180-degree scan angle, which a fixed AESA can't approach.)



Another unique feature of the APY-10 is that the antenna is shrouded in a yellow Lexan ball, so that it looks as if the P-8A's nose accommodates a giant mango. The shroud reduces aerodynamic drag as the radar spins in ARPDD mode.

The APY-10 could be retrofitted to a P-3, Raytheon says, but so far, customers looking to update Orions (Pakistan, Thailand, Taiwan and Norway) have not had the same high-end requirement and have used the lower-cost SeaVue system.

[buglerbilly]

Boeing Begins Final Assembly of 1st P-8A Poseidon Production Aircraft


RENTON, Wash., March 9, 2011 -- The fuselage for the first P-8A Poseidon low-rate initial production aircraft arrives at the Boeing [NYSE: BA] factory in Renton on March 7. Workers began final assembly activities today, including installing wires, systems and other small parts. The aircraft will be the first of six production aircraft Boeing is building as part of a $1.6 billion contract awarded in January. P-8A test aircraft T6 is in final assembly in the background.

RENTON, Wash., March 9, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today began final assembly of the first U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon production aircraft in the company's Renton factory. The P-8A is the first of six low-rate initial production aircraft that Boeing is building as part of a $1.6 billion contract awarded by the Navy in January.

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.

“Boeing will deliver this first aircraft to the Navy on schedule in 2012 in preparation for initial operational capability, which is planned for 2013,” said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. “Our team has built seven P-8A test aircraft to date and the process improvements and efficiencies we’ve incorporated will continue to help reduce costs as the program moves forward.”

The Poseidon team is using a first-in-industry in-line production process that draws on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 production system. All aircraft modifications unique to the P-8A are made in sequence during fabrication and assembly.

The start of final assembly follows Spirit AeroSystems’ delivery of the P-8A fuselage to Boeing. The fuselage arrived via rail car on March 7 and was loaded into a tooling fixture. Boeing workers have begun installing systems, wires and other small parts.

“We’re excited to transition from the development airplanes to production,” said John Pricco, Boeing Commercial Airplanes P-8 program manager. “Our team’s tremendous work has put us in a good position as we ramp up to build both the P-8A for the United States and the P-8I for India.”

Boeing was awarded a System Development and Demonstration contract in 2004 to build and test six flight-test and two ground-test P-8A aircraft. The first three flight-test planes -- T1, T2 and T3 -- are completing testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. The program’s static test plane, S1, completed its test program earlier this year.

A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the Poseidon is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 66,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Britain, U.S. in Maritime Patrol Talks

Posted by Robert Wall at 4/27/2011 5:59 AM CDT

One of the big discussion items here in the U.K. has been what to do in the maritime patrol realm now that the Nimrod MRA4 fleet has been scrapped before even becoming operational.

Peter Luff, the U.K. defense minister for equipment confirms that there have been "discussions with the U.S. government on maritime patrol aircraft capability."

Asked if the U.K. has explored a lease of P-8 Poseidons from the U.S., Luff says there are "currently no plans to lease" those aircraft.

But, he adds, "we are keeping our future requirements of maritime patrol under review."

The Strategic Defense & Security Review released last year, which spelled out the decision to terminate the Nimrod MRA4 program, suggested unmanned aircraft may be able to plug some of the operational gaps left after that decision. However, a new defense ministry report pours cold water on that idea. You can read more about that study here.

The U.K. is already buying RC-135 Rivet Joints to eventually replace Nimrod R1 signals intelligence aircraft -- with RAF crew currently embedded with the RJ fleet to help get ready for the new platform. A similar set-up is likely in terms of carrier aviation, now that the U.K. has retired its Harrier fleet. That effectively means there is a model on which the U.S. and U.K. could build to prepare British personnel should London eventually opt to acquire -- one way or another -- the P-8.

[buglerbilly]

Boeing on track as it looks to further P-8

June 08, 2011



The last of the six test aircraft that are the lead in for the US Navy's (USN's) P-8 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) programme is currently at Boeing's Pugent Sound facility near Seattle going through final mission system integration and validation.

T-6 is the project's production representative aircraft and is one of three aircraft that will go on to begin the operational test programme for the aircraft next year. Initial operational capability is then targeted at 2013. 'The basic programme has held together from a schedule point of view,' Bob Feldman, Boeing's vice president and general manager, surveillance and engagement, confirmed.

The P-8 is based on the commercial 737 airframe, which is a tried and tested aircraft. The airframe is built at Boeing's Renton 737 manufacturing line before being flown to Pugent Sound for the addition of the mission systems. According to Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president P-8 programme, the focus has been on system integration rather than major changes to the aircraft itself.

Successfully executing the P-8 programme is key to Boeing's strategy in the surveillance aircraft market. The company is looking domestically beyond its USN customer for growth and also internationally.

Feldman argued that the P-8 outfitted with the right sensors was a viable alternative to some of the older 707 based surveillance aircraft. 'You could buy a new fleet for what it costs to sustain those 707 surveillance fleets,' Feldman stated. He added that in-service savings though fuel economy and easier maintenance would also be substantial.

The US Air Force is currently in the throes of deciding whether or not to recapitalise its aging fleet of F-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft, based on the 707, or to look at purchasing a new fleet. Boeing is hoping to position itself as a logical supplier for a next generation system that it is currently calling P-8 Airborne Ground Surveillance (AGS). 'There is a tremendous and compelling case there,' Feldman stated.

Expanding on the point, Egan Greenstein, senior international business development manager, surveillance and engagement, said that a P-8 based fleet could offer the USAF a saving of some $500 million a year over the existing JSTARS fleet. 'It's an attempt not just to align our capability but the business strategy around P-8 derivatives,' he added.

'What makes P-8 AGS work is power and the size of the radar aperture,' Greenstein continued. The radar the company is looking at employing is a generation beyond the current technology and will exploit developments in AESA technology. Boeing believes it would be able to field the P-8 AGS by 2017. 'You're getting more capability and cost savings,' he concluded.

Looking at the international market, Boeing also sees further opportunities for the P-8. The company is already on contract to provide eight P-8s to India and the first of the aircraft is already moving through manufacturing.

Beyond that Feldman said there was the possibility in the international market for upwards of 75 aircraft. It is targeting the MPA at a number of countries including, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Norway Japan and Italy. Those numbers are based also on targeting current customers of the P-3, there are currently upward of 300 P-3s in service internationally.

Darren Lake, Puget Sound

[buglerbilly]

Boeing Begins Final Assembly of India's 1st P-8I Aircraft

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued June 21, 2011)

RENTON, Wash. --- Boeing began final assembly of the Indian navy's first P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft this month at the company's Renton factory.

The P-8I, based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy.

The start of assembly work follows delivery of the plane's fuselage from teammate Spirit AeroSystems on May 29. Boeing workers have begun installing systems, wires and other small parts onto the fuselage. The P-8I's engines and wings will be installed later this summer.

"The P-8I is a result of a close partnership between Boeing's commercial and defense units to deliver the latest and best maritime reconnaissance capability to the world," said Dinesh Keskar, president, Boeing India. "This agreement highlights the true commitment Boeing has toward India."

"India is our first international customer for the P-8 and we are committed to delivering this aircraft on time," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "The timely start of assembly and our in-line production process will allow us to meet our goal and incorporate significant efficiencies as we move forward on the program."

Boeing was selected on the basis of a global tender by the government of India. The contract for procurement of eight P-8I aircraft, with an option for four additional aircraft, was signed on Jan. 1, 2009.

The P-8I will provide India with speed, reliability, persistence and room for growth to satisfy the country’s maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements now and into the future. The aircraft features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.

Boeing, the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, has significantly expanded its footprint in India in both civil aviation and defense. Boeing is partnering with India's leading technology and manufacturing companies to build a supply chain out of India. The company also has opened a Research and Technology center in Bengaluru to collaborate with India’s technical talent for research in aero structures, materials and network systems. Boeing India's corporate office is in New Delhi.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 65,000 employees worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

First Operational Test P-8A Arrives at NAS Patuxent River


SEATTLE, Wash. – The Navy’s first P-8A Poseidon production representative operational test aircraft takes off from Boeing’s facility in Seattle, Wash., June 24. It will join three other developmental test aircraft, which are already at NAS Patuxent River. (Photo courtesy of The Boeing Company)

Jun 27, 2011

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The Navy has received its first P-8A production representative operational test aircraft June 24.

The new P-8A arrived at NAS Patuxent River and it will join three developmental test aircraft already undergoing integrated testing in preparation for initial operational test and evaluation of the P-8A Poseidon.

The Navy entered into Low Rate Initial Production of the first six Poseidon aircraft in January 2011. These aircraft will be used to form the first operational P-8A squadron, which is scheduled for initial operational capability in 2013.

PMA-290 Public Affairs
301-757-8690

[buglerbilly]

P-8A Flies West For High Temperature Testing In the Desert

(Source: U.S Naval Air Systems Command; issued August 22, 2011)


On the Yuma, Ariz., flight line, the P-8A T-2 test aircraft is being prepped for thermal performance tests. (Official Navy photo.)

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- With average July high temperatures of 107 degrees Fahrenheit, Yuma is one of the hottest cities in the United States. It’s no secret why the P-8A Poseidon test team chose this location to satisfy the testing requirement for thermal response.

The P-8A T-2 test aircraft returned from its second detachment during the test program where team members conducted hot environment ground and flight tests July 7-20 in Yuma, Ariz.

“The outstanding performance of the test team resulted in a record setting pace allowing us to successfully gather the required data and return the aircraft back to NAS Patuxent River to support the next phase of testing, said Lt. Cmdr. Kristopher Carter, developmental test pilot for the P-8A.

Project officers, engineers, test conductors and maintenance crews spent 13 days testing many of the Poseidon’s systems in an unusually high-temperature climate to gather thermal performance data. Ground and flight tests were conducted on the propulsion/engine systems and the Environmental Control System.

During the flight portion of testing, the team executed nine successful test flights in eight days. The team completed the ground portion of testing one day ahead of schedule. Additional tests evaluated the P-8A Communications and Enhanced Digital Flight Control System during transit to and from Yuma.

While the collected data from the Yuma detachment is still being evaluated, the P-8A T-2 test aircraft continues required mission systems testing at Pax to include the acoustic system, Sonobuoy Launching System, Sonobuoy Positioning System, and Electro-Optical/Infrared system, all of which contribute to the P-8A’s primary mission to detect, localize, and track targets in the day or night maritime environment.

Beginning in 2013, the P-8A will replace the aging P-3C Orion, which has served the Navy in the anti-submarine mission since the 1960s.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Boeing P-8I Aircraft Completes 1st Flight

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued September 28, 2011)


The first of eight P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft ordered by India has made its first flight; deliveries are due to begin in 2013, four years after contract signature. (Boeing photo)

SEATTLE --- Boeing's first P-8I aircraft for the Indian Navy completed its initial flight today, taking off from Renton Field at 12:02 p.m. Pacific time and landing two hours and 31 minutes later at Boeing Field in Seattle.

During the flight, Boeing test pilots performed airborne systems checks including engine accelerations and decelerations and autopilot flight modes, and took the P-8I to a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet prior to landing. In the coming weeks Boeing will begin mission systems installation and checkout work on the aircraft at a company facility near Boeing Field.

"The P-8I program is progressing well and we are looking forward to this potent platform joining the Indian Navy as part of its fleet," said Rear Adm. DM Sudan, assistant chief of Naval Staff (Air), Indian Navy.

"The P-8I will provide India with the necessary speed and reliability to satisfy the Indian Navy's maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements," said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing India president.

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy. In order to efficiently design and build P-8 aircraft, the Boeing-led team is using a first-in-industry, in-line production process that draws on the company's Next-Generation 737 production system.

"Flying the first P-8 for an international customer is a key milestone for our entire team," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "We have transitioned to P-8I production, and remain on track to deliver the first aircraft to the Indian Navy in 2013."

The P-8I is the first of eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft Boeing is building for India as part of a contract awarded in January 2009. An option for four additional P-8I aircraft was included in the original contract.

The aircraft features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.

The P-8I is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

Boeing, the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, has significantly expanded its footprint in India in both civil aviation and defense. India has selected the P-8I to fulfill its long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine requirements and the C-17 Globemaster III for its strategic and tactical airlift needs.

Boeing is partnering with India’s leading technology and manufacturing companies to build a supply chain out of India. The company has opened a Research and Technology center in Bengaluru to collaborate with India's technical talent for research in aero structures, materials and network systems. Boeing also has an Analysis & Experimentation Center (AEC) in Bangaluru, which in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) provides modeling, analysis capability and defense experimentation in support of the Indian Armed Forces. Boeing India's corporate office is in New Delhi.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 64,000 employees worldwide.

-ends-

[geof]

.. Unless I have missed something .. This programe seems to be moveing along fulll steam ahead .. with no major FU's etc etc .. I want some ...... :-p

[JimWH]

Hang on, India are involved... IT'S A TRAP!

[buglerbilly]

USS Laboon, P-8A conduct tests at sea

Oct 3, 2011



ATLANTIC OCEAN – On Sept. 15, the bridge watch team aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) watches as a P-8A Poseidon executes low level surveillance rigs at 500 feet with a speed of more than 300 knots.

This is the first coordinated test evaluation and training conducted between a surface ship and the new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform on the East Coast.

Laboon crewmembers had control of the Poseidon for four hours providing safety of flight and a point of reference as they conduct radar and combat systems testing. The testing was part of establishing a maximum target detection range of various radar modes against a surface combatant.

“It was a really great feeling to be in control of an aircraft that is going to be the next best thing in the ASW world. You don’t get this kind of opportunity every day,” said Operation Specialist 2nd Class Michelle White, the ASW tactical air controller monitoring the Poseidon and who kept in constant communication with the aircraft and helped it navigate through air traffic.

“This P-8A test team and fleet coordinated test event brings the Poseidon one step closer to Initial Operational Capability in 2013,” said Neal Rothback deputy program manager for the P-8A program.

The Poseidon, developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security in 2009, is modified from the Boeing 737 and has the capabilities to drop and monitor sonobuoys. Its main mission is ASW and carries an armament of torpedoes, depth charges, anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. The Poseidon is equipped with an APY-10 radar as well as an ALQ-218 ESM system along with a camera that takes high definition videos.

Based out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., the test crew, consists of Boeing and Navy contractors; VX-20 Sailors led by Cmdr. Jason Rider, chief test pilot for VX-20 and Cmdr. James Chitko, operations officer for the Integrated Test Team (ITT); and Mark Spencer, a senior Boeing test conductor.

PMA-290 Public Affairs
301-757-8690

[buglerbilly]

P-8A Successfully Launches First MK 54 Weapon Test

(Source: US Naval Air Systems Command; issued Oct. 25, 2011)

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. - The P-8A Poseidon successfully launched the first MK 54 torpedo during a test event in the Atlantic Test Range Oct. 13.

“The P-8A is advancing along a rigorous test schedule,” said Tony Schmidt, P-8A assistant program manager for Test and Evaluation. “The success of the first separation test of the MK 54 moves us one step closer to delivering the P-8A to the fleet on time.”

By using the Mission Computing and Display System aboard the P-8A, allowed the launching of a single torpedo from P-8A test aircraft, T-3, at 500 feet above water.

“It was a good flight and the systems worked exactly as expected,” said Lt. Larry Malone, P-8A Integrated Test Team pilot.

Unlike other platforms, the tactician performs the separation of stores and weapons from the P-8A.

“Though a large part of the team was not on the flight, the work done by the engineers, range support, and the test conductor was key to the success of the test," said Lt. Cmdr. Cecily Walsh, P-8A Integrated Test Team tactician, who praised the entire team for their part in the test exercise.

PMA-290 conducted initial torpedo release tests to verify safe separation of the MK 54 weapon from the P-8A. Future testing will include delivery accuracy, weapon integration, and end-to-end test.

"Through this milestone, the Navy has proved the successful integration of the extensive capabilities of the MK 54 lightweight torpedo into this next generation maritime surveillance aircraft," said Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' Kevin Peppe, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems. "Our MK 54 torpedo is the Navy's tested and proven undersea warfare weapon, now arming the P-8 with a formidable capability to successfully execute anti-submarine warfare missions worldwide."

In addition to the MK 54 lightweight torpedo, Raytheon also equips the P-8 with its AN/APY-10 maritime, littoral and overland surveillance radar.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Pretty pic of the launch..............


The P-8A Poseidon successfully launches the first MK 54

[buglerbilly]

Pentagon Contract Announcement

(Source: U.S Department of Defence; issued November 3, 2011)

The Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $1,377,823,556 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price-incentive contract (N00019-09-C-0022) to procure seven P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Low Rate Initial Production II aircraft.

Work will be performed in Chicago, Ill. (21.9 percent); Greenlawn, N.Y. (12.3 percent); Puget Sound, Wash. (11.5 percent); Dallas, Texas (6.6 percent); North Amityville, N.Y. (5.8 percent); Cambridge, United Kingdom (4.8 percent); and various locations in and outside the continental United States (37.1 percent).

The work is expected to be completed in January 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

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[buglerbilly]

Boeing Receives $1.7B for 7 More US Navy P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued November 9, 2011)

SEATTLE --- Boeing on Nov. 3 received a $1.7 billion low-rate initial production (LRIP) award from the U.S. Navy for seven additional P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.

LRIP-II is the follow-on to an initial LRIP-I contract awarded in January to provide six Poseidon aircraft. Overall, the Navy plans to purchase 117 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 contract, Boeing will provide aircrew and maintenance training for the Navy beginning in 2012, in addition to logistics support, spares, support equipment and tools. The training system will include a full-motion, full-visual Operational Flight Trainer that simulates the flight crew stations, and a Weapons Tactics Trainer for the mission crew stations.

"This contract is the result of the Boeing and Navy team's hard work and commitment, and moves us a step closer to P-8A full-rate production," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "We've assembled and flown the first LRIP plane and continue to focus on building P-8A aircraft on cost and on schedule."

"LRIP-II brings the P-8A program one step closer to delivering the Poseidon to the fleet," said Capt. Scott Dillon, P-8A deputy program manager for the Navy.

Boeing completed assembly of the first LRIP-I aircraft at its Renton, Wash., facility this summer. The aircraft subsequently completed a successful first flight July 7, 2011, from Renton Field to Boeing Field, which marked its transition from fabrication and assembly to mission system installation and checkout in Seattle.

The Poseidon team is using a first-in-industry in-line production process that draws on Boeing's Next-Generation 737 production system. All P-8A-unique aircraft modifications are made in sequence during fabrication and assembly.

The team has built and is testing six flight-test and two ground-test aircraft under the U.S. Navy System Development and Demonstration contract awarded to Boeing in 2004. Four flight-test aircraft -- T1, T2, T3 and T5 -- are conducting testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. The program's static test plane, S1, completed its test program in January. S2, the fatigue test plane, will begin testing next year. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.

A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the Poseidon is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 63,000 employees worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

P-8A Makes Debut in Bold Alligator Exercise

Feb. 7, 2012 - 06:12PM

By CHRISTOPHER P. CAVAS


A new P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft is taking part in the sprawling Bold Alligator exercises off the mid-Atlantic coast. (MC3 Daniel J. Meshel / U.S. Navy)

Swooping low over the aircraft carrier Enterprise, the U.S. Navy’s newest jet looks every bit a war craft, with little to belie its commercial airliner lineage or current test missions.

The P-8A Poseidon maritime multi-mission aircraft apparently made its first appearance in an operational, fleet exercise Feb. 3 when it began flying sorties in support of Exercise Bold Alligator, the largest amphibious exercise in a decade, now taking place along the coasts of Virginia and North Carolina.

The P-8A flew 20 missions in support of the Enterprise and its strike group, and another 14 sorties operating with the amphibious strike group and Marine expeditionary forces, according to U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

That’s a departure from the extensive P-8A flight test programs being flown by Air Test and Evaluation Squadrons 1 and 20 (VX-1 and VX-20) from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

Sporting a spiffy sinking submarine logo on its tail, the VX-1 P-8A photographed from the Enterprise is known as “T-6,” the last of six test and evaluation aircraft delivered to the Navy by Boeing. It was accepted by the Navy and arrived at Pax River on Jan. 17, said LaToya Graddy, a spokesperson for Naval Air Systems Command.

The aircraft also will be used in upcoming operational test exercises set to begin this summer, she added.

The P-8 is under development by the Navy to replace the venerable, turbo-prop P-3 Orion.

[buglerbilly]

Poseidon Lands at Naval Air Station Jacksonville for Weapons Certification

(Source: US Navy; issued Feb. 9, 2012)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- A three-day conventional weapons technical proficiency inspection (CWTPI) for Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 ordnance personnel supporting the P-8A Poseidon aircraft began Feb. 6

The "ordies" are pursuing their certifications to handle, load and deliver ordnance such as torpedoes, missiles and mines.

"VX-1 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River loaned VP-30 their Poseidon T-5 so we can maintain our schedule for conducting our CWTPI over the next three days," said VP-30 Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Stevens.

"Our ordnance professionals are shooting for a good score from a team of inspectors from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapon School based here at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Basically, our people will receive their load plans and then go to work loading inert Mark-54 torpedoes in the bomb bay of the P-8," said Stevens.

He added that when the ordnance team was not using the aircraft for CWTPI, there would be training sessions aboard T-5 for maintainers and troubleshooters who are working for their certifications to diagnose, service and repair the P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft.

Lt. Cmdr. Jason Parmley from Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group serves as the lead weapons training officer.

Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician David Wood, of VP-30 maintenance control, said the CWTPI is an important milestone in transitioning to the P-8A platform.

"Since August of last year, we've been training a core group of about 80 maintainers by going on site to Boeing in Seattle, Washington and following that with additional P-8 training and certifications at VX-1 in Pax River, Maryland.

"While we have theT-5 at NAS Jax, our core group of P-8 maintainers will also conduct walk-throughs of the aircraft to their VP-30 shipmates who will be part of the transition from the P-3 Orion to the P-8 Poseidon. Our goal is to train up and certify all of our VP-30 personnel so - as the Navy's P-8 fleet replacement squadron - we're ready to teach the P-8 to VP-16 beginning this July."

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