The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has received the first refurbished P-8A Poseidon aircraft from L3Harris under multi-year maintenance, repair and overhaul contract.
L3Harris secured the contract for a fleet of 139 P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft in September 2024 and started work at its aircraft modification facility in Waco, US.
The project is expected to proceed until September 2029.
L3Harris is tasked with executing programme depot maintenance and conducting repair and overhaul processes for the 139 aircraft.
NAVAIR’s aircraft are integral to a variety of critical missions including maritime patrol, long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
Under the contract, L3Harris will also assist foreign military sales of P-8A aircraft.
L3Harris intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance president Jason Lambert said: “We’re keeping the Navy’s fleet mission-ready with this first P-8A delivery. Our proven expertise in aircraft maintenance enables us to enhance performance and extend fleet longevity.”
For the first year of the contract, L3Harris anticipates inducting up to nine aircraft.
Presently, seven aircraft are undergoing overhauls at the company’s facility, with all scheduled for delivery within this year.
The P-8A Poseidon serves as a multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft capable of executing long-range maritime and littoral operations as well as search and rescue missions.
Its design integrates the fuselage of the Boeing 737-800 and the wings of the 737-900 model.
The aircraft measures 129.5 feet (ft) in length and stands at a height of 42.1ft, with a wingspan extending 123.6ft.
Featuring an increased gross weight capacity with a maximum take-off weight of 189,200lb, compared to its predecessor, the 737-800, the P-8A can house a crew of nine members.
This platform is intended to replace the ageing fleet of 196 P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft currently serving in the Navy, which are nearing the end of their operational lifespan.
