Air Power 2017

21 ST CENTURY PARTNERSHIPS AIR POWER 2017 65

21 ST CENTURY CAPABILITIES

David Hayhurst asks Air Commodore Ian Gale about the versatility of

the new Boeing P-8A Poseidon, which will mark a major shift in the

Royal Air Force’s maritime capability when it enters service in 2020

POSEIDON’S

TRIDENT

M

uch of RAF Lossiemouth’s massive

revamp over the next few years will

revolve around the arrival of the

first Boeing P-8A Poseidons in early

2020. The Moray airfield’s transformation will soon
      include new hangars, expanded runways, new
      operational support and training facilities, as well
      as hundreds of additional personnel in support of
      the world’s most technically advanced and most
      multifaceted maritime patrol aircraft (MPA).
      The pressing need to meet the replacement
      demand for a fixed-wing, long-range MPA in the wake
      of Nimrod’s retirement will be answered – and more

- by Poseidon’s remarkable multi-mission versatility.

The P-8A can conduct anti-submarine and anti-surface

ship warfare; undertake shipping interdiction and

search and rescue operations; and engage in highly

advanced ELINT (electronic intelligence) surveillance.

   Modified from the Boeing 737-800 ERX, the P-8A

can reach heights of 41,000 feet while flying at up to

490 knots, or cruise as low as 200 feet. It can also travel

up to 4,500 nautical miles from base without refuelling,

and can carry nearly a third more sonobuoys than any

other MPA currently in service – capabilities that may

prove vital in support of UK carrier operations when the

new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers enter service

The P-8A Poseidon

will transform

the UK’s maritime

patrol capabilities,

delivering advanced

technology and

weapon systems

(PHOTO: © THE

BOEING COMPANY)