On March 4 Boeing officially delivered the first production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the US Navy.
March 7: On March 4 Boeing officially delivered the first production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the US Navy in Seattle. The P-8A is the first of 13 anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Boeing will deliver as part of a low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract awarded in 2011.
“We’re proud to be able to meet our commitment and hand over the P-8A ‘keys’ to the Navy fleet,” said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 programme manager. “This is a great day for Boeing, our supplier teammates and our Navy customer.”
“The Navy fleet is more than ready to receive the P-8A, which will provide the users and operators a step increase in mission capabilities,” said Rear Admiral Paul Grosklags, US Navy Program Executive Officer for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault & Special Mission Programs.
Following delivery in Seattle, Navy pilots flew the aircraft, LRIP1-1, to Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida, where it will be used for aircrew training. The Navy plans to purchase 117 Boeing 737-based P-8A aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.
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