Boeing has completed Increment 3 Block 2 modifications on the first P-8A Poseidon aircraft, enhancing the platform’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance as well as anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities.
The modified aircraft is expected to be delivered to the US Navy this month, with two more reportedly at an advanced stage of the upgrade process.
A total of six modified aircraft are expected to be ready by the end of this year, with initial operational capability by next April.
“In today’s ever changing global environment, it is important to pace the threat in terms of lethality and survivability,” Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office manager Capt. Erik Thomas said.
“The Increment 3 Block 2 modifications to the P-8A Poseidon will ensure they remain the most sophisticated and capable maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the world.”
The modifications took over a year to complete and equip the multi-role aircraft with its full capabilities outlined in the P-8A program’s evolutionary acquisition strategy.
The US Navy plans to upgrade its entire planned fleet of 135 P-8As. The current fleet consists of 124 aircraft.
Australia’s 14 Poseidons will also receive the upgrades.
Modifications
Unlike previous software-heavy modifications, the latest focuses on overhauling the platform’s hardware and onboard systems, including racks, radomes, antennas, sensors, and wiring.
A new combat systems suite is a major part of the process, aimed at enhancing the aircraft’s search, detection, and targeting capabilities.
It features “improved computer processing, higher security architecture, a wide band satellite communication system, ASW signals intelligence capability, track management system, and additional communications and acoustics systems.”
The communication suite will improve the aircraft’s ability to operate with carrier battle groups and other navies.
A revamped software architecture has also been introduced to integrate the new sensors and systems rapidly.
Future upgrades will be implemented through a “sequence of rapid capability insertion efforts” to build upon the Increment 3 Block 2 modifications.
