Navy accepts its 50th P-8A Poseidon

PATUXENT, Md., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has accepted its 50th P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft from Boeing.

The plane, which will be part of an eventual fleet of 117 Poseidon aircraft, was delivered at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., earlier this month, U.S. Naval Air Systems Command reported.

"I'd like to formally thank the team, including PMA-290, Boeing and our entire P-8A industry team, as we deliver the 50th P-8A Poseidon early and under budget," said Capt. Tony Rossi, the Navy's program manager for Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft. "This milestone demonstrates outstanding work ethic, professionalism and dedication to the fleet.

"The P-8A is special. This is the first time a Navy combat aircraft was built from the ground up on a commercial production line. We've leveraged commercial expertise and experience, and a highly reliable airframe, the 737, which has reduced production time and overall production costs."

The P-8A Poseidon is replacing the Navy's aging P-3 Orion. It features an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret and increased acoustic processing capability with 64 passive sonobuoys, 32 multi-static sonobuoys and concurrent passive and active processing.