P-8A for US Navy

The fifth production P-8A Poseidon has been delivered to the U.S. Navy.

The P-8A is one of 24 low-rate initial production (LRIP) maritime patrol aircraft that Boeing is building for the Navy as part of contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012.

The next three Poseidons are undergoing mission systems installation and checkout in Seattle, and two more are in final assembly in Renton, Washington. The sixth production P-8A will be delivered to the Navy in early 2013.

The Navy plans to purchase 117 of the Boeing 737-based P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet.

As part of the LRIP contracts, Boeing is also providing aircrew and maintenance training for the Navy, in addition to logistics support, spares, support equipment and tools.

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