Malaysian Flight 370 The P-8 is based on a proven airframe (Boeing 737-800 jet) and will be equipped with legacy P-3 systems; later upgrades are to incorporate more advanced technology. The Government Accountability Office has credited this incremental approach with keeping the project on schedule and on budget. Timely replacement of the P-3s (propeller aircraft introduced in 1962) is vital due to their age and generally-poor airframe conditions. The P-8 will use a new hydrocarbon sensor to detect fuel vapors from Diesel-powered submarines and other conventionally powered ships. It features the Raytheon multi-mission surface search radar. The aircraft also includes six additional body fuel tanks for extended range. For in-flight refueling, a flying boom is used. In order to power the additional electronics, the P-8 has a 180kVA electric generator on each engine. The P-8 will be complemented by 40 unmanned aerial vehicles for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance system to provide continuous surveillance. To improve range and endurance, magnetic anomaly detection equipment which weighed 3500 lb, was dropped from the design. First flight of P-8 was in April 2009. A P-8 released six sonobuoys (expendable sonar system) for the first time in three separate low altitude passes in October 2010. It successfully scored a direct hit with a Harpoon anti-ship missile in June 2013. Six test and nine production aircraft had been delivered to the service at the time. Full production was approved in January 2014. Boeing received an $1.9 billion order for 11 P-8s in September 2012. It received another $2.04 billion for 13 P-8s which will bring total aircraft to 37. Pic of P-8 dropping a torpedo.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 05:22:01 +0000
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