Boeing’s latest P-8A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft took to the skies over Puget Sound, bringing the total number of P-8s delivered worldwide to 150.
As reported by Boeing, the 150th multi-mission P-8A will be operated by the US Navy’s Airborne Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1), based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.
The primary mission of VX-1 is to test and evaluate anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime anti-surface warfare (SUW) weapon systems, strategic airborne weapon systems, as well as supporting systems, equipment and materials in an operational environment. The squadron also develops, reviews and disseminates new ASW/SUW tactics and procedures for fleet use, serving as a model manager for all such tactical publications.
«There are now 150 P-8s around the world delivering confidence and an unmatched capability to our global customers,” said Stu Voboril, vice president and program manager, P-8 Programs. “Our focus has been, and will be, on delivering the world’s best maritime patrol aircraft.»
With more than 450,000 mishap-free flight hours, the worldwide P-8 fleet includes 112 aircraft delivered to the U.S. Navy, 12 to Australia, 12 to India, nine to the United Kingdom and five to Norway. The aircraft are designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue.
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The 150 P-8s in service do not include the six test aircraft provided to the U.S. Navy during the initial phases of the program. Boeing tested those aircraft during development to evaluate capabilities and performance. These aircraft continue to be used to test new technologies to be applied to future P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
