Boeing P-8 Poseidon

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly Multimission Maritime Aircraft) is a military aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800ERX. It was developed for the United States Navy (USN).

P-8 Poseidon

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon

Role

Maritime patrol aircraft

National origin

United States

Manufacturer

Boeing

First flight

25 April 2009[1]

Introduction

November 2013[2]

Status

In service

Primary users

United States Navy

Indian Navy

Royal Australian Air Force

Royal Air Force

Produced

2009–present

Number built

122 as of May 2020[3]

Program cost

US$33.638 billion (by FY2013)[4]

Unit cost

US$256.5 million (procurement cost FY2015)[5]

US$125 million (fly-away cost FY2016)[6]

Developed from

Boeing 737 Next Generation

The P-8 is being operated in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction roles. It is armed with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons, and is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys, as well as operate in conjunction with other assets, including the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The P-8 is operated by the United States Navy, the Indian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the UK's Royal Air Force (RAF). It has also been ordered by the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF), the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

Development Edit

Origins Edit

The Lockheed P-3 Orion, a turboprop ASW aircraft, has been in service with the United States Navy (USN) since 1962.[7] In the 1980s, the USN began studies for a P-3 replacement, the range and endurance of which were reduced due to increasing weight and airframe fatigue life limitations. The specification required a new aircraft to have reduced operating and support costs. In 1989, Lockheed was awarded a fixed-price contract to develop the P-7, but this was canceled the following year.[8] A second competition for a replacement began in 2000. Lockheed Martin submitted the Orion 21, an updated new-build version of the P-3.[9] Boeing's proposal was based on its 737-800 airliner.[10] BAE Systems offered a new-build version of the Nimrod MRA4, a British jet-powered maritime patrol aircraft. BAE withdrew from the competition in October 2002, recognizing that without a production partner based in the United States, the bid was politically unrealistic.[11] On 14 May 2004, Boeing was selected as the winner.[12]

In June 2004, the USN awarded a development contract to Boeing.[13] The project was planned to be for at least 108 airframes for the USN.[14] More orders are possible from the other nations operating over 200 P-3s. Project value is expected to be worth at least $15 billion. Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Spirit AeroSystems, GE Aviation Systems, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, CFMI, BAE Systems, and Marotta are major subcontractors.[15] In July 2004, the USN placed an order for five aircraft, and the first flight-test aircraft was to be completed in 2009.[14] On 30 March 2005, it was assigned the P-8A designation.[16]

Design phase and testing Edit

Rollout of the P-8 on 30 July 2009

The P-8 is to replace the P-3.[17] Initially, it will be equipped with legacy P-3 systems; later upgrades will incorporate newer technology. The Government Accountability Office credited the incremental approach with keeping the project on schedule and on budget. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) deleted the requirement for the P-8A to be equipped with magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) equipment as a weight reduction measure, improving endurance. A hydrocarbon sensor detects fuel vapors from diesel-powered submarines and ships.[18]

The P-8's first flight was on 25 April 2009.[1] The second and third P-8s had flown and were in flight testing in early August 2010.[19] On 11 August 2010, low-rate production of the P-8 was approved.[20][21] A P-8 released sonobuoys for the first time on 15 October 2010, dropping six sonobuoys in three separate low-altitude passes.[22] In 2011, the ice detection system was found to be defective due to the use of counterfeit components; allegedly these parts were poorly refurbished and sold to subcontractor BAE Systems as new by a Chinese supplier.[23]

A P-8A flying alongside a Lockheed P-3C Orion, close to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, 2010

On 4 March 2012, the first production P-8A was delivered to the USN, flying to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, for training with the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30).[2] On 24 September 2012, Boeing announced a $1.9 billion order for 11 aircraft.[24] On 10 June 2013, a DoD Inspector General (IG) report recommended delaying full-rate production over a lack of key data to assess if the P-8 met operational requirements; additional tests were also needed to guarantee a 25-year lifespan.[25] Boeing executives dismissed the report, saying that the test program was on track.[26] In 2013, full-rate production was delayed until the P-8 could demonstrate it can survive its 25-year lifespan without structural fatigue, overcome deficiencies, track surface ships, and perform primary missions.[27]

On 24 June 2013, a P-8 successfully scored a direct hit with a live AGM-84D Block IC Harpoon anti-ship missile during weapons integration testing.[28] On 1 July 2013, an initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) report found that the P-8A was "operationally effective, operationally suitable, and ready for fleet introduction." Six test and nine low-rate initial production aircraft had been delivered at that point.[29] On 31 July 2013, Boeing received a $2.04 billion contract to build 13 P-8As in the fourth low-rate initial production lot, for a fleet of 37 aircraft by the end of 2016, and long-lead parts for 16 P-8As of the first full-rate production lot.[30]

In January 2014, Naval Air Systems Command proceeded with full-rate production of the P-8A. Increment 1 systems include persistent ASW capabilities and an integrated sensor suite; in 2016, Increment 2 upgrades will add multi-static active coherent acoustics, an automated identification system, and high-altitude anti-submarine weapons.[31] Increment 3 in 2020 shall enable "net-enabled anti-surface warfare".[32]

In July 2014, Fred Smith, business development director for the P-8, noted that the program had: "saved $2.1 billion on 2004 estimates of the cost of production... the aircraft is now selling for $150 million, down from the forecasted $216 million".[33] The halving of USN orders from 16 aircraft per year down to 8 in 2015 due to the expiration of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 was expected to be partially offset by commercial 737 sales and P-8 export sales.[34] The U.S. Department of Defense wants to follow a program template for the P-8 similar to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, with international cooperation from prospective users.[35]

Derivatives Edit

In 2010, Boeing proposed to replace the U.S. Air Force's Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS fleet with a modified P-8 at the same cost Northrop Grumman proposed for re-engining and upgrading the E-8s.[36] The proposed P-8 Airborne Ground Surveillance (AGS) would integrate an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and have ground moving target indicator (GMTI) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities. A key feature was a pod-mounted radar on the fuselage's lower centerline, positioned so the engine nacelles do not obstruct its line of sight. It reuses the P-8A's Raytheon AN/APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar. Two aft ventral fins increase stability.[36][37]

In 2013, Boeing proposed repackaging some of the P-8's systems in the smaller and less expensive Bombardier Challenger 600 series business jet, as the Boeing Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA).[38] In 2014, Boeing also offered a JSTARS replacement based on the 737-700, rather than the P-8's 737-800.[39]

Design

US Navy pilots in the cockpit of a P-8 in 2019

The P-8 is a militarized version of the 737-800ERX, a 737-800 with 737-900-based wings.[40] The fuselage is similar to, but longer than, the 737-700-based C-40 Clipper transport aircraft in service with the USN. The P-8 has a strengthened fuselage for low-altitude operations and raked wingtips similar to those fitted to the Boeing 767-400ER, instead of the blended winglets available on 737NG variants.[41] In order to power additional onboard electronics, the P-8 has a 180kVA electric generator on each engine, replacing the 90kVA generator of civilian 737s; this required the redesigning of the nacelles and their wing mountings.[42] The P-8 has a smoother flight experience, subjecting crews to less turbulence and fumes than the preceding P-3, allowing them to concentrate better on missions.[43]

The P-8 features the Raytheon APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar;[44] the P-8I features an international version of the APY-10.[45] Unlike the preceding P-3, the P-8 lacks a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) due to its higher operational altitude;[46] its acoustic sensor system is reportedly more effective at acoustic tracking and thus lacking a MAD will not impede its detection capabilities;[47] India's P-8I is equipped with a MAD per the contract request.[48] Various sensor data are combined via data fusion software to track targets.[49] Following the cancellation of Lockheed Martin's Aerial Common Sensor project, Boeing proposed a signals intelligence variant of the P-8 for the USN's requirement.[50] During the P-8A Increment 2 upgrade in 2016, the APS-149 Littoral Surveillance Radar System (LSRS) will be replaced by the Advanced Airborne Sensor radar.[51]

Crew at work stations inside a P-8

The five operator stations (two naval flight officers plus three enlisted Aviation Warfare Operators/naval aircrewman) are mounted in a sideways row, along the port side of the cabin. None of the crew stations have windows; a single observer window is located on each side of the forward cabin.[42] A short bomb bay for torpedoes and other stores opens behind the wing. The P-8 is to be equipped with the High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) Air Launch Accessory (ALA), turning a Mark 54 torpedo into a glide bomb for deploying from up to 30,000 ft (9,100 m).[46]

In U.S. service, the P-8A is complemented by the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which provides continuous surveillance. In January 2015, BAE Systems was awarded a contract for the USN's High Altitude ASW (HAASW) Unmanned Targeting Air System (UTAS) program to develop a sub-hunting UAV equipped with a MAD for launching from the P-8.[46]

The P-8 cannot use the hose-and-drogue in-flight refueling method, instead featuring a flying boom receptacle on the upper-forward fuselage, making it, like the USN's E-6 Mercury TACAMO aircraft, reliant on U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-10 Ex

Operational history

United States

A P-8A of VP-5 with Kawasaki P-1, its Japanese counterpart, in 2014

In February 2012, the P-8 made its mission debut during "Bold Alligator" 2012, an annual littoral warfare exercise.[53] In April 2012, it took part in Exercise Joint Warrior, flying out of RAF Lossiemouth.[54] During RIMPAC 2012 in the Hawaiian area, two P-8As participated in 24 scenarios as part of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) while forward deployed to Marine Corps Base Hawaii.[55] On 29 November 2013, its inaugural deployment began when six aircraft and 12 air crews of squadron VP-16 departed its home station of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, for Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.[56] This deployment was a pre-planned regional re-balancing action, but occurred shortly after China's establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone, heightening tensions.[57]

During exercises in 2012 and 2013, and an overseas deployment to Japan, the P-8 reportedly exhibited radar, sensor integration, and data transfer problems, leading to additional testing. In January 2014, the Pentagon's Director of Operational Test and Evaluation office called the P-8A "ineffective" for large area ISR and ASW missions, and said that it was not ready for deployment.[58] The same report found that the P-8 was effective at the small-area search mission, and with much better range, speed, and reliability than older aircraft.[59] Pentagon acquisition undersecretary Frank Kendall disputed the report, saying that although its findings are factual, it did not acknowledge future capability upgrades for anti-submarine and wider-area surveillance.[60]

A second squadron, VP-5, completed its transition to the P-8 in August 2013.[56] During mid-2014, a pair of P-8s were dispatched to Perth, Australia for two months for an international search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.[61] On 2 October 2015, USN P-8s stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, alongside U.S. Coast Guard HC-144A Ocean Sentry, HC-130H and U.S. Air Force Reserve HC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, searched the Eastern Caribbean Sea for the missing SS El Faro cargo ship that sank on 1 October in the Category 3 Hurricane Joaquin near Crooked Island in the Bahamas.[62] On 20 February 2018, a P-8 of the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) rescued three fishermen whose vessel had been adrift in the South Pacific Ocean for eight days, deploying a search and rescue (SAR) kit containing supplies and communications equipment, the first time that a P-8 deployed a SAR kit in a real operation.[63]

On 19 August 2014, a Chinese Shenyang J-11 fighter came within 30 feet of a USN P-8A of VP-5 "Mad Foxes" about 135 miles east of Hainan Island while patrolling the South China Sea. The J-11 flew past the P-8's nose and performed a barrel roll at close proximity.[64] A Pentagon spokesperson said the J-11's unit had made close intercepts earlier that year.[65] The U.S. sent a diplomatic note to China about the behavior of the Chinese fighter group's commander.[66] China stated that the claims were "totally groundless", and that the root cause was U.S. surveillance of China;[67] the U.S. stated it will continue to operate in international airspace and waters.[68] In November 2016, a Russian Su-30 fighter intercepted a P-8 operating over the Black Sea, coming within 5 feet of it, forcing the P-8 through its jet wash, causing a "a 15-degree roll and violent turbulence".[69]

USN P-8s routinely rotate through bases of allies.[70] In September 2014, the Malaysian government offered the use of bases in East Malaysia for P-8s, but no flights have yet been approved.[71] On 7 December 2015, P-8s were deployed to Singapore as part of a Defense Cooperation Agreement between the US and Singapore for "fighting terrorism and piracy."[72] China criticized the Singapore deployment as "regional militarization by the U.S."[73] The third detachment of two P-8s

India Edit

An Indian Navy P-8I in-flight

In January 2008, Boeing proposed the P-8I, a customized export variant of the P-8A, for the Indian Navy.[75] It features two major components not fitted on the P-8A, a Telephonics APS-143 OceanEye aft radar and a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD).[76] On 4 January 2009, India's Ministry of Defence signed a US$2.1 billion agreement with Boeing for eight P-8Is to replace the Indian Navy's aging Tupolev Tu-142M maritime surveillance turboprops.[77] It was Boeing's first military sale to India and the P-8's first international customer.[78] In October 2010, India's Defence Acquisition Council approved the purchase of four additional P-8Is;[79] contract signature followed in July 2016 with deliveries expected to start from 2020.[80] In 2011, India planned to order twelve more P-8Is at a later date; in 2019, this was cut to eight to ten due to a limited budget.[81][82] In November 2019, the Indian government approved the procurment of another 6 P-8Is.[83]

Crew on board a P-8I searching for missing airliner MH370

The Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Data Link II communications allows the P-8I to exchange tactical data between Indian Navy aircraft, ships and shore establishments;[84] it also features an integrated BEL-developed IFF system.[85] India has purchased AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles and Mk 54 All-Up-Round Lightweight torpedoes for the P-8I.[86] In July 2012, Boeing began flight testing of the P-8I.[87] On 19 December 2012, the first P-8I was handed over at Boeing's facility in Seattle;[88] it was inducted into the Indian Navy on 15 May 2013.[89] The type is based at INS Rajali, in Tamil Nadu.[90] In 2014, several Indian Navy P-8Is conducted search operations for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.[76] The Indian Navy inducted the first squadron in November 2015.[91] In February 2020, Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat stated that "I came to know about the capabilities of the P-8I anti-submarine warfare planes after they were deployed in Doklam for surveillance." The Doklam Standoff between Indian Army and Chinese People's liberation Army went on for 73 days. Indian Navy used the P-8I to keep eyes on Pakistani Army after Pulwama standoff.[92]

Australia

An Australian P-8 in 2018

On 20 July 2007, the Australian Minister for Defence announced that the P-8A was the preferred aircraft to replace the Royal Australian Air Force fleet of Lockheed AP-3C Orions in conjunction with a then yet-to-be-selected unmanned aerial vehicle. The last AP-3C is scheduled to be retired in 2018, after nearly 30 years of service.[93][94] In March 2009, Australia's Chief of Air Force stated that, subject to government approval, the RAAF would introduce the P-8 in 2016.[95] In October 2012, Australia formalized its participation, committing A$73.9m (US$81.1m) in an agreement with the USN.[96] In July 2013, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, head of the RAAF, said Australia was considering buying more P-8s and fewer MQ-4C Triton UAVs than earlier planned.[97] On 21 February 2014, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the intention to procure eight P-8s plus options for four more; entry into service is planned for 2021.[98]

In July 2014, negotiations commenced between Boeing and the Department of Defense to integrate the AGM-84 Harpoon Block 1G anti-ship missile onto the P-8A on Australia's behalf.[99] In August 2014, the USN concluded an advanced acquisition contract on the first four of up to 12 P-8As to be bought by Australia, with delivery expected from 2017.[100] In January 2016, Australia ordered a further four P-8s.[101] The 2016 Defence White Paper stated that eight P-8s would be in service in the early 2020s and that 15 P-8s are planned for by the late 2020s.[102] Including support facilities, the first group of eight aircraft's total cost is estimated at $3.6 billion (AU$4 billion).[103]

The RAAF accepted its first P-8 on 27 September 2016;[104] it arrived in Australia on 14 November.[1

United Kingdom Edit

The first P-8 Poseidon delivered to the Royal Air Force.

In August 2012, it was reported that Boeing saw the United Kingdom as a market for the P-8,[107] following the cancellation of Nimrod MRA4.[108] On 23 November 2015, the UK announced its intention to order nine P-8s in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015.[109] They are to be based at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland and shall protect the UK's nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers, as well as perform search-and-rescue and overland reconnaissance missions.[110]

On 25 March 2016, the U.S. State Department approved a proposed Foreign Military Sale to the UK for up to nine P-8s and associated support.[111] The Royal Air Force plans to operate the P-8 with U.S. weapons initially, and may transition to British weapons later.[112] It is unclear whether the UK will have access to future ground-surveillance capabilities developed for the P-8.[113] On 11 July 2016, Boeing announced the signing of a $3.87 billion (£3 billion) contract for nine P-8s and support infrastructure; spread across three production lots over a ten-year period, with deliveries commencing in 2019.[114][115] The RAF has designated it the Poseidon MRA1.[116] They will be operated by No. 120 Squadron and No. 201 Squadron.[117] The first MRA1 made its initial flight on 13 July 2019.[118] The UK took delivery of the first aircraft named Pride of Moray, at Boeing's Seattle facility on 29 October. It arrived at Kinloss Barracks in February 2020 where it will operate while new facilities are built at its homebase of RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland.[119] These are due to be completed in the second quarter of 2020. The RAF declared the P-8 had reached initial operating capability (IOC) on 1 April 2020, by which time two of the planes had been delivered.[120]

Norway Edit

In March 2014, Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet reported that the Royal Norwegian Air Force is considering leasing aircraft from Boeing as No. 333 Squadron RNoAF's six P-3 Orions were becoming increasingly difficult to keep operational.[121] In June 2016, Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang reported that the Norwegian government would buy four new surveillance aircraft in its long-term defense plan; the P-8 was seen as the main option.[122] In December 2016, the U.S. State Department approved the sale with congressional approval pending.[123] On 29 March 2017, Norway signed a contract for five P-8As, to be delivered between 2022 and 2023.[124]

New Zealand Edit

Boeing publicly identified the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a potential customer in 2008, as a replacement for its P-3 Orions, due for replacement in 2025.[125] In April 2017, the U.S. State Department approved the possible foreign military sale of up to four P-8As with equipment and support, valued at US$1.46 billion.[126][127] In July 2018, the New Zealand government announced the purchase of four P-8As, to begin operations in 2023.[128] Four P-8As were ordered in March 2019, completion is expected by June 2020.[129]

South Korea Edit

In May 2013, it was announced that the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) was commencing a 1 trillion won ($900 million) procurement program to acquire up to 20 new ASW aircraft to replace the Republic of Korea Navy's fleet of 16 P-3Cs; possible candidates included the C-295 MPA, P-8, Saab Swordfish and the SC-130J Sea Hercules.[130] DAPA considered procuring 12 to 20 ex-USN Lockheed S-3 Vikings.[131] In 2017, the ROKN canceled plans to purchase refurbished S-3s.[132][133]

On 26 June 2018, it was announced that DAPA had selected the P-8 and would acquire six aircraft through the US Foreign Military Sales program.[134] On 13 September 2018, the US state department stated it supported the sale of 6 P-8s and notified Congress.[135] South Korea ordered six P-8As in March 2019 and expected to be completed by June 2020.[129]

Potential operators Edit

Canada Edit

Boeing identified that the Royal Canadian Air Force's fleet of 18 CP-140 Auroras (Canadian variant of the P-3 Orion) would begin to reach the end of their service life by 2025. Boeing offered the Challenger MSA, a smaller and cheaper aircraft based on the Bombardier Challenger 650 integrating many of the P-8's sensors and equipment, to complement but not replace the CP-140s. Boeing's Aurora replacement offer was the P-8A with modifications specific to Canadian operations.[136][137]

In 2019, Canada announced the start of a project to replace its CP-140 Aurora aircraft, named "Canadian Multimission Aircraft Project". Under the requirements, the Canadian Armed Forces need a manned, long-range platform, capable of providing C4 ISR and ASW with the ability to engage/control and to fully integrate with other ISR and ASW assets. The project is valued at greater than C$5 Billion.[138]

Italy Edit

Italy indicated interest in purchasing P-8s, with fleet support provided by Alitalia, in 2004.[139] However, in December 2008, Italy announced the purchase of four ATR 72 aircraft to replace its aging Atlantic maritime patrol fleet,[140] possibly as a temporary solution because Italy remained interested in the P-8.[141]

Malaysia Edit

In December 2017, the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Brigadier General Yazid Bin Arshad announced it had shortlisted four aircraft types to replace the force's aging fleet of Beechcraft Super King Air maritime patrol aircraft; these are the EADS CASA C-295 from Airbus, the P-8 from Boeing, ATR 72 MP from ATR, and the CASA/IPTN CN-235, possibly provided by either Airbus or Indonesian Aerospace, which acquired a licence to produce it. Arshad added that: "these four types are shortlisted, the door is not closed yet", indicating other options may be possible.[142]

NATO Edit

In April 2019, Boeing was reported to be in exploratory talks with various NATO allies to offer the P-8 as a NATO-shared interim solution to provide European allies with its capabilities until domestic capabilities could be secured by 2035.[143]

Saudi Arabia Edit

In 2017, Boeing announced it had signed several agreements with Saudi Arabia, which intends to order P-8 aircraft.[144]

Turkey Edit

In 2016, Turkey indicated that it planned to acquire a new MMA aircraft to supplement existing assets, the P-8A being the main candidate based on the required performance.[145]

Operators Edit

Australia

Royal Australian Air Force – 12 P-8A aircraft received as of 13 December 2019.[106]

India

Indian Navy – 8 P-8I aircraft in service in May 2016[91] with another 4 ordered in July 2016 to be delivered from April 2020.[80][148] 6 more cleared for procurement.[83]

New Zealand

Royal New Zealand Air Force - 4 P-8As on order, to be delivered beginning in 2022.[129]

Norway

Royal Norwegian Air Force - 5 P-8As on order, to be delivered between 2022 and 2023.[124]

South Korea

Republic of Korea Navy - 6 P-8As on order, to be delivered beginning in 2022.[129]

United Kingdom

Royal Air Force – 9 Poseidon MRA1s on order[115][149] with 2 delivered as of March 2020.[120]

United States

United States Navy – to acquire 122 aircraft.[4][150] 98 P-8As delivered through January 2019.[151] It has been reported that the US Navy has a requirement for 138 P-8As, but it is likely to stop orders at 117 aircraft.[152]

Specifications (P-8A) Edit

A P-8A of VP-16 dropping a Mark 46 torpedo

Data from United States Navy,[153][154] Boeing,[40] and others[42]

General characteristics

Crew: Flight: two; Mission: seven

Length: 129 ft 5 in (39.47 m)

Wingspan: 123 ft 6 in (37.64 m)

Height: 42 ft 1 in (12.83 m)

Empty weight: 138,300 lb (62,730 kg)

Max takeoff weight: 189,200 lb (85,820 kg)

Powerplant: 2 × CFM56-7B27A turbofans, 27,300 lbf (121 kN) thrust each

Performance

Maximum speed: 564 mph (907 km/h, 490 kn)

Cruise speed: 509 mph (815 km/h, 440 kn)

Combat range: 1,381 mi (2,222 km, 1,200 nmi) ; 4 hours on station (for anti-submarine warfare mission)

Ferry range: 5,200 mi (8,300 km, 4,500 nmi)

Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,496 m)

Armament

5 internal bays and 6 external hardpoints for a variety of conventional weapons, e.g. AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER, AGM-84 Harpoon, Mark 54 torpedo, mines, depth charges, and the High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon system[155]

Avionics

Raytheon APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar[44]

AN/ALQ-240 Electronic Support Measures Suite[156]

AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor[1