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
- 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)