The first Boeing P-8I for the Indian Navy made its first flight on September 28.
The two hour, 31 minute test flight took off from Renton and landed at Boeing Field in Seattle, and saw the aircraft reach an altitude of 41,000ft.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today. A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
Access to the Australian Aviation app
Australian Aviation quarterly digital magazines
Access to In Focus reports via our app
Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
Daily news updates via our email bulletin
“Flying the first P-8 for an international customer is a key milestone for our entire team,” said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. “We have transitioned to P-8I production, and remain on track to deliver the first aircraft to the Indian Navy in 2013.”
Mission systems will be installed in the aircraft “in coming weeks”, Boeing says.
India has eight P-8Is on order, and has options for an additional four, for delivery from 2013 to replace Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft. The P-8I differs from the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon in having a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) boom and different sensors.
iscover
Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
