Significant Poseidon-fleet modifications complete

A significant capability milestone has been achieved for the Royal Australian Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon platform.

CAPTION: Officer Commanding No. 92 Wing, Group Captain John Grime, front centre, stands with staff and personnel from Surveillance and Response Systems Program Office, No. 92 Wing and Boeing in front of P-8A Poseidon A47-006. Story by Bettina Mears. Photo by Corporal Brenton Kwaterski. 

Operated by units under the command of No. 92 Wing, the P-8A Poseidon fleet underwent extensive modifications over a period of 12 months to support future upgrades to the capability.

The completion of the modification program was marked with the finalisation of works on P-8A Poseidon aircraft A47-006 on 28 July at RAAF Base Edinburgh near Adelaide in South Australia.

The works were carried out by Boeing in partnership with personnel from the P-8A enterprise, which includes supporting elements from Boeing Defence Australia, Airbus Australia Pacific, No. 92 Wing and Surveillance and Response Systems Program Office.

Officer Commanding No. 92 Wing Group Captain John Grime said it was an important capability outcome.

“The P-8A fleet is now future-proofed and ready for the technical upgrades that lie ahead,” Wing Commander Grime said.

“This tranche of modifications included wiring upgrades to expand and enhance the mission systems fitted to the aircraft and improve interoperability, as well as networking for air-to-air, air-to-ship and air-to-ground communications in support of the joint force.

“These modifications will position the P-8A Poseidon as the premium maritime surveillance aircraft in the world.

“The project forms part of the P-8A Cooperative Program, which continues to deliver important capability outcomes, achieving results through seamless and highly successful air-force and defence-industry collaboration.

“92 Wing is really proud of our contribution to these projects and our role in these partnerships, which ensures we maintain the capability edge for Australia and our coalition partners.”

Operated by No. 11 and No. 292 Squadrons based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the P-8A Poseidon is a modern, potent and highly reliable aircraft based on the commercially proven Boeing B737-800, modified to incorporate the latest maritime surveillance and attack capabilities.

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