The United States Navy has proudly presented its state-of-the-art P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023.
P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at LIMA 2023, Malaysia. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)
The P-8 Poseidon is a military aircraft developed by Boeing for the United States Navy. The aircraft is modified from the 737-800ERX and is designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and shipping interdiction roles. The P-8 operates with a smaller crew and has a greater mission flexibility than the older P-3 Orion.
The specifications you provided indicate that the P-8 Poseidon has a crew of two for flight operations, and seven for the mission. The aircraft can carry up to 19,800 lb (9,000 kg) and is 129 ft 5 in (39.47 m) long, with a wingspan of 123 ft 6 in (37.64 m). It is powered by two CFM56-7B27A turbofans, each producing 27,300 lbf (121 kN) of thrust.
In terms of performance, the P-8 can reach a maximum speed of 564 mph (907 km/h, 490 kn) and has a cruising speed of 509 mph (815 km/h, 440 kn). It has a combat range of 1,383 mi (2,225 km, 1,200 nmi) and a ferry range of 5,200 mi (8,300 km, 4,500 nmi). The service ceiling of the aircraft is 41,000 ft (12,496 m).
The Poseidon is equipped with 11 hardpoints for weapons, including an internal bay with 5 hardpoints and 6 external hardpoints for carrying various types of conventional weapons such as AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER, AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-88 AARGM-ER, Mark 54 torpedo, mines, depth charges, and the High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) system.
Its avionics include the Raytheon APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar, the AN/ALQ-240 Electronic Support Measures Suite, and the AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor.
