The AP-3C Orion is an extremely versatile aircraft, capable of:
- land and maritime surveillance
- anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare
- naval fleet support
- search and rescue operations.
The AP-3C is fitted with a variety of sensors, including:
- digital multi-mode radar
- electronic support measures
- electro-optic high definition camera (infra-red and visual)
- magnetic anomaly detectors
- friend or foe identification systems
- acoustic detectors.
Based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the AP-3C Orion ceased 10 years of operational service in in 2012, and is in the process of a graduated draw down to retirement. The final aircraft is planned for withdrawal in 2023.
The Orion aircraft first entered military service in 1968 as the P-3B model. The P-3C variant was introduced in 1978, and underwent several significant upgrades before it became the current AP-3C Orion, which was introduced into service in 2002.
The AP-3C will be replaced by the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton to perform the vital functions of long range maritime patrol.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
|---|---|
| Role |
|
| Crew |
|
| Length | 35.6m |
| Height | 10.44m |
| Wingspan | 30.8m |
| Weight | 61,200kg |
| Engines | Four Allison T56-A-14 (4600 shaft horsepower each) |
| Ceiling | 35,000 feet |
| Max speed |
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| Capacity |
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| Weapons |
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