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.
The Poseidon was introduced to
partially replace the RAAF’s fleet of AP-3C Orions, together with the MQ-4C
Triton unmanned aircraft system. The P-8A is equipped with advanced sensors and
mission systems, including a multi-role radar, high-definition cameras and an
acoustic system that is said to boast four times the processing capacity of the
AP-3C’s, as well as an extensive communications suite. An internal fuel
capacity of almost 34 tonnes allows the P-8A to conduct low-level
anti-submarine warfare missions at a distance of greater than 2,000 kilometres
from base. The P-8A will be compatible for air-to-air refuelling with the
KC-30A MRTT.
In January, Defence Minister
Reynolds said, “Together, the Poseidon and the Triton will provide Australia
with one of the most advanced maritime patrol and response capabilities in the
world. The Poseidon is a proven capability that will conduct tasks including
anti-submarine warfare, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance, and support to search and rescue missions.
“These additional aircraft will
enhance Air Force’s flexibility to support multiple operations and will play an
important role in ensuring Australia’s maritime region is secure for
generations to come.”
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