The P-8A Poseidon is Australia’s proven multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft. No. 92 Wing currently commands 12 P-8A aircraft which are operated by No. 11 and No. 292 Squadrons at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The P-8A Poseidon has deployed on a vast number of operations and exercises since its first arrival in 2016, ratifying its high capability to generate effects in its primary roles of:
- anti-submarine warfare
- anti-surface warfare
- search and rescue
- maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
- overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Based on the commercial design of Boeing's 737-800, the P-8A is built specifically as a military aircraft and has been substantially modified to include:
- a weapons bay
- under wing and under fuselage hard points for weapons
- sonobuoy deployment system
- increased structural strength for low level operations (down to 200ft).
The P-8A Poseidon has an advanced mission system and integrated sensor suite which includes:
- a multi-role radar
- an electro-optical camera
- an electronic signal detection system
- a high-capacity acoustic system
- an extensive off-board communications suite.
The internal fuel capacity of almost 34 tonnes allows the P-8A to conduct low-level anti-submarine warfare operations more than 2,000 kilometres from base. The P-8A is capable of air-to-air refuelling with the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
|---|---|
| Role |
|
| Crew |
|
| Length | 39.5m |
| Height | 12.8m |
| Wingspan | 37.6m |
| Weight | 85,820 kg (max) |
| Engines | Two CFM56-7 BE(27) engines each with 27000 lb thrust |
| Range | 7,500km |
| Ceiling | 41,000 feet (12,496 metres) |
| Max speed | 907km/h |
| Capacity |
|
| Weapons |
|