Australia’s first P-8A Poseidon aircraft has completed its maiden flight, flying a short distance from Renton Airfield to Boeing Field in Washington State in the US.
The flight marks the transition of the aircraft from the commercial production line at Renton to the Boeing Defence facility where the P-8A’s sophisticated mission systems will be installed as part of project Air 7000.
According to Defence, the $5.4 billion P-8A program will provide Australia’s future manned maritime patrol and response aircraft capability, replacing in part the AP-3C Orion aircraft.
The P-8A Poseidon is 39.5 metres long, has a maximum takeoff weight of 85,820 kilograms and a wingspan of 37.6 metres. Powered by two jet engines, it has a top speed is 907 kilometres per hour with a maximum range of 7,500 kilometres.
Head of Aerospace Division, Air Vice Marshall Catherine Roberts today congratulated Defence’s cooperative program partner, the US Navy along with prime contractor Boeing Defence Space and Security, on achieving this significant milestone.
“This major acquisition is creating opportunities for Australian defence industry to participate in maintenance and to develop training facilities and infrastructure” AVM Roberts said.
“Aircraft production includes around $25 million of high-tech production work undertaken by local subsidiary, Boeing Aerostructures Australia.
“The primary roles of the P-8A include the detection and response to naval surface and submarine threats, surveillance and reconnaissance, and assisting in search and rescue operations,” AVM Roberts said.
With a saving of US$260m compared to the initial budget, the P-8A Poseidon aircraft were acquired through a cooperative program with the US Navy and contracted to Boeing Defence Space and Security.
A Royal Australian Air Force crew will fly the aircraft to Australia in late 2016 following post-production checks and acceptance.