Boeing unveils new Navy patrol jet
RENTON, Wash. -- Boeing Co. and the Navy have rolled out the P-8A Poseidon, the service's new patrol plane.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire joined Navy officials and several hundred Boeing workers and executives for the ceremony Thursday at Boeing's Renton plant. The plane, a military version of Boeing's 737-800 passenger jet, will be used for a variety of functions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and patrol.
The Navy is buying 117 Poseidons to replace aging P-3 Orion turboprops.
"The airplane that we're flying right now is a great airplane, but it is old and tired," said Rear Admiral Bill Moran.
For decades the old P-3 Orion has been the Navy's anti-sub workhorse. But in 2007, the Navy grounded 39 Orions due to a problem with the aircraft's wings. Only a half dozen are back in service.
"The technology that coming's in the P8 are going to increase our capabilities tremendously. Every body's really excited about what it has to offer, what we can do with it," said Naval Flight Officer Lt. Charlie Steele.
Flight tests are to start later this year, with the first jets in service in 2013.
the Poseiden project created 2,000 jobs at Boeing.
"You are building it for the sons and daughters of America that will fly it, man it and operate it for decades to come," said Admiral Gary Roughead.
The Navy plans to base Poseidon squadrons at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington state, at Jacksonville, Fla., and in Hawaii.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire joined Navy officials and several hundred Boeing workers and executives for the ceremony Thursday at Boeing's Renton plant. The plane, a military version of Boeing's 737-800 passenger jet, will be used for a variety of functions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and patrol.
The Navy is buying 117 Poseidons to replace aging P-3 Orion turboprops.
"The airplane that we're flying right now is a great airplane, but it is old and tired," said Rear Admiral Bill Moran.
For decades the old P-3 Orion has been the Navy's anti-sub workhorse. But in 2007, the Navy grounded 39 Orions due to a problem with the aircraft's wings. Only a half dozen are back in service.
"The technology that coming's in the P8 are going to increase our capabilities tremendously. Every body's really excited about what it has to offer, what we can do with it," said Naval Flight Officer Lt. Charlie Steele.
Flight tests are to start later this year, with the first jets in service in 2013.
the Poseiden project created 2,000 jobs at Boeing.
"You are building it for the sons and daughters of America that will fly it, man it and operate it for decades to come," said Admiral Gary Roughead.
The Navy plans to base Poseidon squadrons at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington state, at Jacksonville, Fla., and in Hawaii.