The first Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has been formally revealed in a ceremony at Boeing Field, Seattle, on Tuesday.
The aircraft, wearing RAAF serial A47-001 and 11 Squadron albatross tail markings, is due to arrive in Canberra on November 15, flown by an Australian crew, according to the RAAF’s website.
Fifteen P-8As are set to replace the RAAF’s AP-3C Orion fleet, together with the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system.
The P-8A is equipped with advanced sensors and mission systems, including an advanced radar, high-definition cameras, and an acoustic system that is said to have four times the processing capacity of the Orion.
A47-001 competed its maiden flight, from Renton where it was assembled to Boeing Field, where its mission systems were installed, on May 6.
Boeing Defence, Space and Security tweeted some highlights of the aircraft’s debut:
What #Boeing product sports a bird and a kangaroo and has a name that originates out of Greek mythology? pic.twitter.com/jWzL5OrOb5
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) September 27, 2016
The first P-8A Poseidon for the @Aus_AirForce debuts with its signature livery, including a Wandering Albatross and a kangaroo. pic.twitter.com/CzZEzcvTrQ
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) September 27, 2016
