The Boeing-built P-8A Poseidon is the multi-mission maritime patrol, initially based off Boeing’s classic workhorse B737NG. The Poseidon excels at anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue. It has a maximum height of up to 41,000ft and can fly at speeds up to 490 knots.
Australia currently houses one P-8A at RAAF Base Edinburgh, north of Adelaide, South Australia. The Poseidon will form a vital part in the future of Australia’s maritime patrol and response strategy, with an additional 13 P-8A aircraft already approved for acquisition, as of January 2021. RAAF’s first Poseidon was delivered on 16 November 2016, and the remaining 13 P-8A jets will be delivered by March 2023. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the first eight P-8A aircraft is scheduled for 2017-2020.
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Shane Couch
says:We only house one at Edinburgh? Google maps shows five, and there will be three for the 100th anniversary flypast over Canberra.
David B
says:Clever tech for sure and great at medium/high altitudes but low and slow with turbofans? Our fuel bill is going up compared with the venerable P-3!
Loitering 1 & 4 on a P-3 meant you could stay up all day…