Boeing To Update P-8A Poseidon Training System For US Navy, Australia

Boeing has won a $194 million worth contract to upgrade the P-8A Aircrew Training System for the US Navy and Australia, the Department of defense announced Wednesday.

“The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, is awarded $194,517,924 for modification P00126 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-14-C-0067) for P-8A Aircrew Training System production concurrency upgrades in support of the Navy and the government of Australia,” the release said. 

The work is expected to be completed in September 2023.

Under the four-year term agreement, Boeing will upgrade devices at three locations for the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force to reflect the latest configuration of the Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, according to Boeing press release.

"With increasing demand for realistic training that is concurrent and affordable, the P-8A training system gives pilots, air crews and maintainers the most immersive environment at a fraction of the cost to train in a P-8A," said Pat Walsh, vice president of U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Services for Boeing Global Services and retired Admiral.

Boeing developed the comprehensive P-8A training system to provide training for both pilots and aircrews. The aircrew training solution includes courseware, classrooms, part-task trainers and full-fidelity simulators for both pilot and mission crew. The maintenance training solution includes courseware, classrooms, hardware and virtual maintenance simulators to support all U.S. Navy maintenance certifications. The P-8A training system allows operators to train and prepare for missions while reducing flight hours for the aircraft, as well as fuel costs associated with in-flight training.