SEATTLE, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Boeing has opened a new P-8 aircraft production facility near Boeing Field in Seattle for installation of mission systems and aircraft testing.
"The new factory is a great fit as Boeing transitions to building production aircraft, in part because it allows us to incorporate a leaner work flow," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager.
"We'll complete work on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the U.S. Navy and the P-8I aircraft for the Indian navy in this facility and plan to use this space for future P-8 customers' aircraft as well."
The U.S. Navy plans to buy 117 P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its existing P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is scheduled for 2013.
The Indian navy signed a contract for eight P-8I aircraft in January 2009. Boeing will deliver the first P-8I within 48 months of contract signing and the remaining seven by 2015.
Boeing said the P-8s, based on its Next-Generation 737 commercial aircraft, are assembled in nearby Renton, Wash., and flown to the Seattle plant prior to completion of system installation and delivery.
The P-8 is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, GE Aviation and BAE Systems.
