P-8 Poseidon
Intended to replace the P-3 Orion and derivatives, the P-8A Poseidon is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence-surveillance-econnaissance (ISR) aircraft. It possesses extensive sensors and communications for maximum interoperability with U.S. and allied forces; there are even discussions of establishing interoperable communications with Russian systems in coalition operations. Capable of broad-area, maritime, and littoral operations, the P-8A is expected to influence how the U.S. Navy's maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces train, operate, and deploy.
Airfarme and Power
A next-generation derivative of the 737-800, the P-8A is powered by the CFM56-7 engine, which also powers the Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft and C-40 transport.
- 27,300 pounds of takeoff thrust per engine
- 30 million flight hours, with an industry-leading 0.002 percent in-flight shut-down rate per 1,000 flight hours
Avionics
Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector will provide the electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, the directional infrared countermeasures system, and the electronic support measures system. Northrop Grumman’s Mission Systems sector will develop data links for P-8A. The company’s Integrated Systems sector will support the mission planning effort.
Sensors
The aircraft is equipped with the upgraded AN/APS-137D(V)5 maritime surveillance radar and signal intelligence SIGINT system developed by Raytheon. The system was redesignated AN/APY-10 in June 2006. The AN/APY-10 radar is installed on the enlarged nose fairing, The AN/APY-10 radar provides Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode capability for imaging, detection, classification and identification of stationary ships and small vessels and for coastal and overland surveillance, and high resolution Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) mode for imaging, detection, classification and tracking of surfaced submarines and small, fast moving vessels that operate in coastal waters.
The SAR provides multiple resolution strip map and spot SAR operation, and allows high resolution for target identification, battle damage assessment and for weapons targeting.
Periscope detection uses high scan speeds, high pulse repetition frequency, high resolution mode with advanced sea clutter rejection.
The P-8A will also be fitted with the CAE Advanced Integrated Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) System.
Defensive electronics
Raytheon is also offering its GPS Anti-Jam, Identification friend or foe, and Towed Decoy Self-Protection suites. Northrop Grumman is supplying the Electronic Warfare Self-Protection (EWSP) suite which includes Terma AN/ALQ-213(V) Electronic Warfare Management System (EWMS), Northrop Grumman Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) set, Northrop Grumman radar warning receiver and BAE Systems countermeasures dispenser system.
Offensive electronics
The P-8A will also be fitted with the CAE Advanced Integrated Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) System.
The aircraft will carry a rotary sonobuoy launcher with pneumatic ejection, being developed by EDO Corporation.
Communications
The P8 has a Broadcast Info System (BIS) and secure UHF satellite communications capability.
GE Aviation will supply both the Flight Management and Stores Management systems on the P-8A. The Flight Management System provides a open architecture that is CNS/ATM compatible along with an inherent growth path for upgrades. The StoresManagement System provides a comprehensive system for the electronic control of integrated weapons management.
Armament
The integral bomb bay will carry free-fall bombs, Raytheon Mark 54 torpedoes and depth charges. Air-to-surface missiles will be installed on the underwing hardpoints.
Performance
The aircraft can cruise at high altitude at nearly 926km/hr (500kt) and loiter at a speed of 333km/hr (180kt) over the sea at a low altitude of 60m.