The first of twelve (possibly fifteen if additional airframes are ordered as rumoured) Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft destined for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was on public display at the Australian International Air Show, providing an opportunity to take a closer look at the platform that will ultimately replace the ageing Lockheed AP-3C Orion.
Based on the Boeing 737-800ERX, the P-8A Poseidon has been developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security as the next generation aircraft to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction missions.
Similar to the Lockheed P-3C Orion, the Poseidon's arsenal will include torpedo's, harpoon anti-ship missiles, depth charges and sonobouys. A range of self protection technology will also be employed aboard the aircraft.
