Boeing P8 Poseidon
RAAF A47-003 at Base Ohakea, New Zealand
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a military maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and several international air forces. Based on the Boeing 737-800ERX airframe, the P-8 represents a significant technological leap from its predecessor, the P-3 Orion, which served for decades. The Poseidon is designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It entered service with the U.S. Navy in 2013 and has since been adopted by countries including India, Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway, South Korea, New Zealand, and Germany.
“The Poseidon is designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.,”
The P-8 is equipped with advanced sensor systems and weaponry that make it highly effective in its role. It features a multi-mission surface search radar, an electro-optical/infrared sensor turret, and can deploy sonobuoys for submarine detection. The aircraft can carry a variety of weapons including Mark 54 torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other air-to-surface weapons in its internal bomb bay and on underwing hardpoints. With a maximum range of over 1,200 nautical miles from base and the ability to stay on station for extended periods, the P-8 can patrol vast ocean areas. The aircraft's use of a commercial airliner platform provides advantages including higher operating altitude, greater speed, and improved crew comfort compared to traditional turboprop maritime patrol aircraft, while also benefiting from the extensive global support infrastructure for the 737 family.
