LM delivers first P-3 Orion wings

MARIETTA, Ga., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection has received delivery of a set of P-3 Orion wings from Lockheed Martin as part of an aircraft lifecycle extension program.

U.S. company Lockheed Martin announced its first P-3 wings delivery as part of the Customs and Border Protection Aircraft Service Life Extension Program.

The new wings are expected to add more than 15,000 flight hours to each P-3, a maritime patrol aircraft used for reconnaissance and anti-surface warfare operations among other applications. Officials say the new wings will extend the life of the aircraft by as many as 25 years.

"Lockheed Martin is extremely proud of its strong partnership with our Customs and Border Protection customer," Ray Burick, Lockheed Martin P-3/S-3 programs vice president, said in a statement.

"The Customs and Border Protection P-3 mission is truly unique, and vital to our nation's homeland security initiatives. We are honored to play a role in supporting Customs and Border Protection."