Boeing Rolls Out First Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

Boeing has rolled out first of 15 P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft meant for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The aircraft is due to arrive in Canberra on November 15, flown by an Australian crew, according to the Australian Air Force’s official website Wednesday.

Australia is buying 15 P-8A Poseidon aircraft to replace its AP-3C Orion fleet. Boeing had earlier posted photos of the aircraft on its official micro-blogging site, twitter handle.

The RAAF Poseidon sports Wandering Albatross and a Kangaroo. The P-8A is equipped with advanced sensors and mission systems, including an advanced radar, high-definition cameras, and an acoustic system.

The $5.4 billion P-8A program will provide Australia’s future manned maritime patrol and response aircraft capability, replacing in part the AP-3C Orion aircraft.

The P-8A Poseidon is 39.5 metres long, has a maximum takeoff weight of 85,820kg and a wingspan of 37.6m. Powered by two jet engines, it has a top speed is 907km/h with a maximum range of 7,500km.