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Chilean navy modernizing P-3 Orions

By Richard Tomkins
P-3 Orion aircraft of the Chilean navy are set for a major overhaul. Chilean navy photo
P-3 Orion aircraft of the Chilean navy are set for a major overhaul. Chilean navy photo

Jan. 31 (UPI) -- The Chilean navy reports it has sent a P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft to Canada for a major overhaul and upgrade by IMP Aerospace.

The P-3, made by Lockheed Martin, is the first of two P-3 Orions scheduled for upgrade under a 2016 contract with the Canadian firm.

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IMP is to upgrade the aircraft's wings and stabilizers, engines, and avionics. The current Allison T56-A10 engines will be replaced with T56-A14 engines. Rockwell Collins' Flight2 avionics suite of communications, navigation and surveillance equipment will be installed to integrate new-generation avionics with legacy sensors, radios, autopilot and aircraft systems.

The overhaul and upgrade will help keep the aircraft operational until 2037, the navy said.

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