Introduction of P-3B Orion Aircraft

A new P-3B Orion awaiting delivery to the RAAF following acceptance from the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation factory was destroyed by fire after the undercarriage failed on landing at Moffett Naval Air Station. The aircraft was one of the first three of this type due to arrive in April, but the arrival date was deferred until 13 May. Australia’s order was initially for ten P-3B Orions to equip No 11 Squadron for maritime patrol duties. A second order for ten AP-3Cs re-equipped No 10 Squadron in 1978.