The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly Multimission Maritime Aircraft) is a military aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800ERX.It was developed for the United States Navy (USN). The Australian Government announced the acquisition of eight P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in February 2014 for $4bn, with an option for four additional aircraft. The aircraft has been modified to include a bomb bay and pylons for weapons – two weapons stations on each wing – and can carry 129 sonobuoys. The P-8A Poseidon has advanced sensors and mission systems, including a state-of-the-art multi-role radar, high definition cameras, and an acoustic system with four times the processing capacity of the AP-3C Orions. The successor MMA program was begun in March 2000, and Boeing beat Lockheed’s “Orion 21” with a P-8 design based on their ubiquitous 737 passenger jet. The aircraft is also fitted with an in-flight refueling system.
A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the P-8 combines superior performance and reliability with an advanced mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in the future battle space. The P-8 is intended to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and shipping interdiction and to engage in an electronic intelligence (ELINT) role. P-8A Poseidon Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) Description The P-8A Poseidon (P-8A) is the U.S. Navy's multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. It has been confirmed that British P-8 Poseidon aircraft will operate with American rather than British weapons for the time being. The new RAAF aircraft performed a four-hour flight in the vicinity of the naval air station in April 2015. Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with sensors and weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare, as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions. The Poseidon integrated test team expects to receive… The U.S. Navy’s newest maritime patrol and reconnaissance test aircraft, P-8A Poseidon flies with a P-3C Orion alongside, prior to landing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., on April 10. Posted on January 27, 2014 by aviationintel.com . The Navy is moving forward with the integration of the long-range anti-ship missile on the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly the Multimission Maritime Aircraft or MMA) is a military aircraft currently being developed for the United States Navy (USN). Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon program has a lot to feel good about. The move has been welcomed by many as the cost of bringing the aircraft into service in the UK will now be lower, it is fully expected that British weapons will eventually be integrated in the future. The P-8A is built specifically as a military aircraft. CAPABILITY. A VERY “INTIMATE VIEW” OF THE P-8 POSEIDON. US Navy squadrons finally began taking P-8A Poseidon deliveries in 2012, but the long delays haven’t done their existing P-3 fleet any favors. Globally proven, the P-8 has two variants: The P-8I, flown by the Indian Navy, and the P-8A Poseidon, flown by the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.