Based on the proven commercial designs of Boeing's 737-800 fuselage, the P-8A Poseidon is built specifically as a military aircraft and has been substantially modified to include:
- a weapons bay
- under wing and under fuselage hard points for weapons
- increased strengthening for low level (down to 200ft) operations and high angle turns.
12 P-8A aircraft are currently operated by No. 11 and No. 292 Squadrons based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, under the command of No. 92 Wing. Primary roles involve:
- anti-submarine warfare
- anti-surface warfare
- maritime surveillance
- search and rescue.
The P-8A Poseidon has advanced sensors and mission systems including:
- a multi-role radar
- high-definition cameras
- high-capacity acoustics
- extensive communications systems.
The internal fuel capacity of almost 34 tonnes allows the P-8A to conduct low-level anti-submarine warfare missions more than 2,000 kilometres from base. The P-8A is also capable of air-to-air refuelling with KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
|---|---|
| Role |
|
| Crew |
|
| Length | 39.5m |
| Height | 12.8m |
| Wingspan | 37.6m |
| Weight | 85,820 kg (max) |
| Engines | Two CFM56-7 BE(27) engines each with 27000 lb thrust |
| Range | 7,500km |
| Ceiling | 41,000 feet (12,496 metres) |
| Max speed | 907km/h |
| Capacity |
|
| Weapons |
|