Boeing was awarded a $2.2 billion contract March 30 for at least 17 P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, according to a company news release.
The order includes 11 Poseidons for the U.S. Navy, four for the Royal Australian Air Force, and the first two P-8As for the Royal Air Force. The first aircraft of the deal are expected to be delivered in 2019. The agreement includes options for up to 32 additional aircraft, with a total contract value of $6.8 billion if all options are exercised.
A P-8A Poseidon conducts flyovers above the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group during exercise Bold Alligator 2012, Feb. 3, 2012. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel
“The P-8A is a textbook example of Boeing’s commercial derivative expertise,” said Jamie Burgess, vice president of Boeing Military Aircraft’s Mobility, Surveillance & Engagement division and the P-8 program manager. “Every day our customers get to fly incredible aircraft that perform exceptionally well and are built by the best of Boeing.”
The P-8A is based on the 737-800 Next-Generation commercial aircraft, with the addition of military sensors, communications, and other equipment, and the addition of an internal weapons bay.
The first P-8I destined for the Indian navy shown during its first flight. India may buy up to 30 Poseidons. Boeing photo
Boeing has delivered 53 Poseidons to the U.S. Navy and two to the Royal Australian Air Force. Boeing also builds the P-8I variant of the aircraft for the Indian Navy, where it is known as the Neptune. The P-8I is distinguished by a number of differences from the P-8A, including the retention of a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) “stinger” in the tail of the aircraft. India has received eight P-8Is so far in a 12-aircraft order.