GREENVILLE, S.C., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection has received a fourth upgraded P-3 Orion aircraft from Lockheed Martin, the company announced.
The Mid-Life Upgrade included replacement of fatigued aircraft structures with new ones and incorporating a new metal alloy more corrosion resistant than the original material.
The modernization adds 20 years to the aircraft's operational life, Lockheed said.
The P-3 is used by Customs and Border Protection for homeland security missions and interdiction of drug smuggling.
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection missions are vital in protecting and strengthening our nation's security," said John Norris, Lockheed Martin P-3 CBP program manager.
"Through a strategic partnership, Lockheed Martin provides the U.S. Customs and Border Protection team with affordable enhancements to keep its P-3 Orion fleet operating at optimal performance levels for decades to come."
The upgrade of the fourth P-3 was performed in 11 months -- a record time – Lockheed said, and two months ahead of schedule.
"I am very proud of the Lockheed Martin team in Greenville for demonstrating that we can provide significant value with our OEM knowledge, high-quality work and our commitment to meeting our customer's delivery schedule," said Ray Burick, vice president for P-3 Programs and Greenville (S.C.) Operations.
