P-3 Orion Research Group

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this page was last updated on 29 July 2010

P-3 Orion news archive

(this news has previously been published in our news section)

VP-1 P-3C mishap

(02aug08) On 22 July 2008 the pilots of P-3C-II½ BuNo 161331 lost control for a few moments. The Orion was doing a training mission on three engines (engine #1 out), when vibrations in engine #2 made the crew decide to shut down #2 as well. This brought the aircraft into a stall, causing an uncontrolled descent during which the Orion did five spin rotations. 45 consecutive rivets were pulled out on the starboard wing during the 7G pull out (rolling pull), after peaking at negative 2.4G's as well. The Orion lost all the fuel in tank #3 when it appears that the seam between planks 3 and 4 split. Tank #4 also lost its fuel load when plank #1 separated from rest of the aircraft wing. The crew got control over the aircraft again at an altitude between 50 and 200 ft and brought the aircraft in for a safe landing at NAS Whidbey Island.

Forty years of Orion operations

(02aug08) With a parade at RAAF Edinburgh the Royal Australian Air Force celebrated that it was forty years ago that the RAAF’s first Orion (a P-3B) arrived in Australia. The air force’s P-3 Orions are home based at RAAF Edinburgh since 26 May 1978. Today the RAAF is operation 18 AP-3C Orions and a single P-3C test bed.

Consolidated Maintenace Organizations

(02aug08) As stated in an interview in the Spring 2008 Wings of Gold magazine, the Navy has taken the unusual step of separating aircraft ownership and maintenance personnel from VP squadrons and created Consolidated Maintenance Organizations (CMOs). At each of three patrol reconnaissance wings (2 (Kaneohe), 10 (Whidbey), and 11 (Jacksonville), one CMO with a designation that matches the wing (i.e., CMO-11 at CPRW-11 at Jax) will own all of the P-3 aircraft and the maintenance personnel at the base. The VP squadrons will consist of the aircrews and a handful of admin personnel. When a VP squadron deploys, the CMO will send a maintenance detachment to accompany the squadron at the deployment site. This situation has been necessitated by the critical shortage of P-3s in the fleet. This also is why tail codes have been deleted from fleet VP aircraft. This situation is unprecedented in U.S. naval aviation history, at least in modern times. Ironically, this move comes as the USAF, which had wing-level aircraft ownership and maintenance at many units, is trending toward squadron ownership and maintenance.

CMO establishment dates (from Naval Aviation News Jul-Aug 2008):

CMO-11 NAS Jacksonville 22 Oct 2007
CMO-2 MCAS Kanehoe Bay 27 Dec 2007
CMO-10 NAS Whidbey Island 27 Dec 2007

There will be no CMO at NAS Brunswick because the base is being closed and its squadrons relocated to Jacksonville.

Delivery of Korean P-3CK Orions delayed

(02aug08) The delivery of refurbished U.S. maritime patrol aircraft has been delayed due to “technical problems” regarding systems integration, a military source said . The delay of the P-3 Orion aircraft is expected to hamper the Navy's plan to boost its independent intelligence-gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities ahead of Seoul's takeover of wartime operational control of its armed forces in 2012, said the source. In 2005, South Korea signed a contract to buy eight updated P-3B aircraft through the U.S. foreign military sales (FMS) program, with deliveries being completed by the end of 2010 in phases. The first delivery was to be made in July. The deal was valued at about $496 million. “The first delivery of the P-3 aircraft has been delayed to December due to failures by the U.S. side in integrating systems to meet the Korean Navy's operational requirements, so that a delay in the deployment of the aircraft seems to be inevitable,” the source privy to the aircraft acquisition program told The Korea Times on condition of anonymity.

New wings for Customs and Border Protection Orions

(24dec07) Following the results of the U.S Navy Full Scale Fatigue Test Program conducted in December 2004, the US Dept. of the Homeland Security has recently issued an RFP for the delivery of re-wing kits for 14 of the current 16 P-3 Orions of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The re-wing kits include new outer wings, center wing (lower and upper surface), and included as optional are outer wing leading edges, wing, tail and engine fillet fairings, and tail pipe shrouds. The two CBP aircraft that will not have a new set of wings are their first two AEW birds. These are former RAAF aircraft with very low TLI rating due to the way they were maintained and flown, so no problems with the wings are expected. The Customs and Border Protection is the third P-3 operator who has decided to increase the Orion’s service life by adding new wings to their aircraft. New Zealand replaced the wings of its six P-3 Orions in a program that started in 1997, while the Royal Norwegian Air Force signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for the production and installation of new wings on their six Orions last February. New wings will add more than 15,000 flying hours to each aircraft, representing 20 to 25 additional years of service.

Future for 10 Auroras secured

(19dec07) The Canadian government is confirming that it will purchase new surveillance aircraft while keeping most of the military's aging Aurora patrol planes flying until 2020. The Defence Department will proceed with structural upgrades to keep 10 of the aging Auroras operating and deal with cracks in their wings as well as other sections of the planes. Canada operates 18 Auroras and it's not clear what will happen to the remaining aircraft. The military had originally wanted to put a halt to all of the upgrades and structural work and proceed with the purchase of a new surveillance aircraft by 2016. Officers argued that made the most economic sense. But successful lobbying by aerospace firms, including those in Defence Minister Peter MacKay's riding, derailed that proposal. Dan Dugas, Mr. MacKay's spokesman, said new surveillance planes will be purchased, but he did not provide additional details. "Unlike the previous Liberal government's record of using aircraft well beyond their best-before-date -- the Sea Kings come to mind -- this government is planning now to buy state-of-the-art aircraft to replace the Aurora," Mr. Dugas said yesterday. Defence Department officials declined to be interviewed and instead referred the Citizen to the department's web page and a press release on the Aurora. The department will capitalize on these investments by "upgrading the structure on the majority of the fleet," Mr. MacKay said in the press release. "The investment will keep the aircraft safe and operationally viable until 2020." The Defence Department will move ahead with the next phase of Aurora modernization, which will involve improvements to radars, computers and other systems. The structural upgrades will also be done to ensure the "longevity and safe operation of these 10 aircraft." So far, the department has spent $955 million to modernize the Auroras with new radios and other communications equipment and navigation gear. The military's recommendation had been to keep the Auroras flying until 2016 without any upgrades, while proceeding with the purchase of the Poseidon surveillance aircraft, the U.S. navy's successor to its version of the Aurora. Several years ago, Canada was invited by the U.S. to take part in the Poseidon program, but declined. While some air force officers want the Poseidon, a 737 converted into a surveillance aircraft, others are recommending the purchase of a plane similar to the ASTOR surveillance aircraft. That project is under way for Britain's military. ASTOR uses the smaller Bombardier Global Express jet and is designed for providing surveillance of ground targets.

USN grounds 39 P-3s over faulty wings

(17dec07) The Navy on Monday grounded 39 P-3 Orion anti-submarine patrol planes - nearly one in four of its inventory - because of concerns that a structural defect could cause either of the aircraft's wings to break off in flight. The grounding was the result of engineering analysis and computer modeling and was not caused by any actual structural failures, said John Milliman, spokesman for Naval Air Systems Command. Navy engineers looked at several factors, Milliman said, including the number of hours a particular aircraft has flown, the maneuvers it performed while in flight, the altitude the aircraft have operated at and the climate in areas where it has been based in determining which aircraft should be grounded and which should be kept flying. Milliman said each grounded aircraft will be flown to a repair depot in Jacksonville, Fla. Those that can be repaired will be out of service for between 18 and 24 months. Those that can't will be retired. Navy officials have not determined how much the repairs will cost or whether retired aircraft will be replaced, he said. Navy officials will rotate P-3s from other parts of the fleet to replace the 10 grounded aircraft that are currently deployed, and commanders plan to ensure that each squadron can meet all of its operational requirements. The Navy has 161 P-3s. Their average age is 28 years old; the oldest aircraft is 44 and the youngest 18. Milliman was unable to say whether the age or flight time of the grounded planes was greater than that of the P-3 fleet as a whole.

Aero Union Corporation activates and delivers the fifth Brazil P-3A Orion

(03dec07) Aero Union Corporation (AUC) announced today that they completed the activation and ferry flight of the fifth of twelve Brazilian owned Lockheed P-3A Orion aircraft, BuNo 152140 with Brazilian registration FAB 7203. With AUC crews piloting the aircraft, they departed AUC in Chico, California on the morning of November 12 and flew non-stop to Bangor, Maine where the aircraft cleared US Customs. The aircraft departed Bangor the following day and flew non-stop to OGMA facilities in Alverca, Portugal. The aircraft landed at 11:30 AM local time on November 14. "The ferry flight was uneventful and arrived at its destination on schedule and the first to be ferried with new T56-A14 upgraded power plants. This aircraft will be completely modernized including the EADS CASA Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS)", says Robert Farinsky, Director of Business Development.

EP-3E replacement to be chosen early 2008

(30nov07) The US Navy is scheduled to announce the winner of its $2 billion Broad Area Maritime Surveillance contract in early 2008, and has recently launched the first phase of a project to replace its Lockheed EP-3E Aries II electronic intelligence aircraft. Boeing has previously said that it will offer the 737-based EP-8 for the requirement, but there is a new signal that Airbus is preparing to offer the A320 and Embraer a version of its E190 regional jet. A broad agency announcement warns that foreign-owned firms will be banned from competing as prime contractors, but says the programme "will consider all platform concepts with the potential to meet certification and performance requirements". Non-US companies could also participate as subcontractors or suppliers, with "some restrictions", under the outline.
The USN estimates that the first six years of the EPX programme will cost about $1.1 billion, including at least $728 million for research, development, test and evaluation.

Canada cancels surveillance flights to the Arctic

(13nov07) The Canadian air force has cancelled its surveillance flights in the North for the next several months even though Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said protecting Canada's Arctic sovereignty is one of his government's top priorities. More than half of Canada's fleet of Aurora aircraft, which patrol the country's two coastlines and the Arctic, is in the repair shop, undergoing long-term maintenance, the air force said. Only six of 14 Auroras based at CFB Greenwood in Nova Scotia are able to fly and the air force has decided it will dispatch them to areas off the East Coast and West Coast only. "Most likely the Arctic patrols will resume sometime in the spring of '08," Col. Derek Joyce told CBC News. In the past, the Auroras made between 12 and 16 surveillance flights over the Arctic every year. But the closest Aurora crews will get to the Arctic for the next five months is practising Northern flights in a high-tech simulator.

Aero Union Corporation is designated a P-3 Orion Service Center

(08nov07) Lockheed Martin Corporation has designated Aero Union Corporation of Chico, California an Authorized P-3 Orion Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center. With this certification, Aero Union joins a very small and select group of only four facilities in the World with this designation. P-3 Orions are operated by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and foreign military governments for maritime patrol, earth science, anti-terrorism, border protection and various other missions. Aero Union operates P-3 Orions for its unique wildland firefighting mission throughout the USA. "This P-3 Service Center designation is something we have been working toward for a long period", said Aero Union President and CEO Terry Unsworth. "We are very proud to receive this recognition by the original aircraft manufacturer. It validates the knowledge, skill, capabilities and processes we have developed to support any P-3 Orion operator in the World". Aero Union is rapidly expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul capability with the addition of new hangar facilities in operation and others planned for 2008. The Company has traditionally focused on operating and maintaining its own fleet of eight P-3 aircraft which have been converted for airborne firefighting. The new facilities will be sized for the P-3 and C-130 aircraft, as is the newest facility which is capable of fully housing up to three P-3 aircraft or two C-130 aircraft. "The greatly expanded modern facilities will allow us to offer the same level of service and attention to detail to other P-3 operators that we provide to our own aircraft, those of NASA and the Brazilian Air Force," Unsworth said. "This is the most significant achievement in our progress as we grow the company into an internationally recognized and highly-regarded P-3 MRO center". The P-3 Orion Service Center designation also brings benefits to the community, including more employment opportunities and growth for the airport. "Aero Union is developing new business for Chico. This business will fuel the need for additional aircraft maintenance technicians and new construction. Aero Union's growth is the catalyst that will drive the need for the airport expansion," said Unsworth.

Lockheed Martin completes first Special Structural Inspection Kit mod

(07nov07) Lockheed Martin has successfully completed a P-3 delivery milestone for the U.S. Navy, performing an industry-first modification and scheduled maintenance effort on one of the Navy's P-3C aircraft. Lockheed Martin completed a Special Structural Inspection Kit (SSI-K) modification in conjunction with Phased Depot Maintenance (PDM) at its Greenville Site Operations maintenance and modification facility in Greenville, S.C. The aircraft was delivered last month and marks the first SSI-K modification completed simultaneously with a scheduled PDM in the P-3 community. "This is a significant delivery milestone for our Navy customer and other P-3 operators," says John Cary, Greenville Site Operations vice president and general manager. "Successfully completing a heavy mod such as SSI-K in conjunction with a scheduled PDM is a big step forward in streamlining our P-3 support capability." Lockheed Martin currently provides PDM, significant structural inspections, heavy structural modifications, and kit installations to improve P-3 mission effectiveness at its Greenville facility. In March 2008, the new P-3 wing production line will become operational at the company's Marietta, Ga., manufacturing facility. These Life Extension Kits, which will be comprised of newly manufactured wings, a horizontal stabilizer and a center wing lower assembly, will add an additional 15,000 flying hours to each aircraft, representing 20-25 additional years of service life. Delivery of the first kit to the Royal Norwegian Air Force is scheduled for June 2009.

Chile to retire Orions

(16sep07) The Chilean navy is replacing its P-3 Orion and Embraer P-111 fixed-wing aircraft with EADS Casa C-295 Persuader for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare roles. There's been no official announcement of the deal yet. But a transcript of an interview with navy commander Adm. Rodolfo Codina Diaz, posted on the navy's official Web site, quotes him saying seven planes will be purchased. The deal isn't quite done, the admiral notes, but the planes will be Casa C-295. Initially, two planes will be acquired, to be followed by five more. No word on how much the acquisition will cost, or when deliveries are planned. The advantage of C-295 is that all the branches of Chile's armed forces already operate Casa transport planes, and Casa has partnered with Chile's Enaer on several projects.

USN VP-4 to celebrate 60 years of maritime patrol

(16feb07) Patrol Squadron Four will be celebrating 60 years of continuous maritime patrol this year. We will be holding our reunion October 12-14, 2007 at the Crown Plaza hotel in San Diego, Ca. This reunion will be for all hands who served in VP-4. If anyone is interested in attending, please contact Bill Broadwell at 619-713-2321. You can find more information at the VP-4 Assn website: www.vp4association.com

USN VP-46 to celebrate 75^th Anniversary

(16feb07) Patrol Squadron FORTY-SIX exceeded 75 years of continuous maritime patrol on 1 July 2006. Unfortunately the Grey Knights were unable to celebrate this significant milestone because they were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at the time. Since VP-46 returned to Whidbey Island in December, we are now preparing to properly mark over three quarters of a century of excellence as the U.S. Navy's oldest maritime patrol squadron. Patrol Squadron Forty Six will be celebrating this achievement on the evening of 28 March 2007 at the Whidbey Island Officer's Club in Oak Harbor, Washington. RDML Brian C. Prindle, Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, and the Commanding Officer of VP-46 from 1996 to 1997 will be the evening's speaker. The Squadron is looking for any former members of Patrol Squadron Forty Six that are interested in attending. Additionally, the squadron is requesting any pictures, images, or memorabilia to help the squadron commemorate its long and distinguished history. Any questions or submissions can be sent to LT Jared Hooper at jared.hooper@navy.mil

Lockheed Martin to upgrade seven Pakistan Navy P-3s

(13feb07) The U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Lockheed Martin a $186.5 million Foreign Military Sale contract to continue providing mission system upgrades and sustainment work for seven P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. "This program represents an important expansion of the U.S. Navy, Pakistan Navy and Lockheed Martin P-3 relationship," said Tom Pillion, U.S. Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft director for International Programs. "It provides a world-class maritime surveillance capability to the Pakistan Navy, and will be an important contributor to allied operations."

The Pakistan Navy already operates three P-3C Orions. Two out of three which were originally delivered to Pakistan in 1999 (one crashed). These aircraft were recently re-activated. At the picture P-3C-II¾ Orion #82 is heading a flightline of Breguet Br1150 Atlantics and Fokker F-27MPAs (photo: via Lockheed Martin).

Lockheed Martin will continue to support the Pakistan Navy's P-3C Upgrade Program, which began in March 2006. Lockheed Martin has delivered one upgraded surveillance aircraft, which was inducted into the Pakistan Navy in January. A second aircraft is expected to join the fleet in March. The modified P-3Cs will further enhance the Pakistan Navy's capabilities to conduct maritime surveillance in littoral and deep water environments, supporting anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare operations. "Lockheed Martin is pleased to have delivered the first aircraft to the Pakistan Navy and we continue our work on mission system upgrades to the remaining aircraft for Pakistan," said Richard Udicious, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Eagan, MN-based Tactical Systems business. "We continue our commitment to sustain, refresh and support the P-3 aircraft around the world in order to meet the operators' current and future needs."

XM Satellite Weather receivers for Aero Union’s P-3 Orion tanker fleet

(12feb07) Aero Union is installing XM Satellite Weather Receivers on its P-3 Orion aircraft used for airborne firefighting under contract to the U.S. Forest Service. In a continuing effort to provide its flight crews with the most modern safety equipment available, Aero Union is installing XM Satellite Weather receivers in all eight of its P-3 Orion tankers before they fly on contract for the 2007 season. XM Weather will provide a better picture of the weather situation en-route, helping to avoid storms and keeping the crews safe. This is especially true today as the tankers no longer have a 'home' base, but instead are dispatched (usually with very short notice) to a fire location anywhere in the U.S. XM Weather will show the most efficient route around a storm system, help to save fuel and provide many more capabilities that win greatly reduce crew fatigue.

Aero Union puts Acoustic Airframe Integrity Monitoring System on P-3s

(12feb07) Aero Union Corporation (AUC) announced that it has completed the installation of a 48 channel Acoustic Airframe Integrity Monitoring System (AAIMS) on an AUC P-3 Orion. This installation of a complete system follows the successful three-year trial of AAIMS while installed on an AUC P-3. During the three-year trial, the system flew on wildland fire missions under contract with the USFS. Tbe trials were a huge success, the system accumulated mission specific information/data that up until now, did not exist. Ultra Electronics, the developer of the technology and manufacturer of the system, teamed with AUC on the P-3 trial. AAIMS technology essentially "listens" to the airframe, acoustic signals are filtered to provide specific information related to the noise created by corrosion and cracking and identifies these areas. This information is then displayed on a user interface system which pinpoints the data on a visual model of the airframe component. The trials also took non-acoustic inputs such as airspeed, weight-on-wheels, acceleration, tank volume, etc. and combined this data with the acoustic information. "We finally have a system where the mission can truly be characterized. Because the data can be downloaded immediately following the flight, we now know how the mission effects the airframe structure in near real time without having to down the aircraft, remove panels, etc." says Robert Farinsky, Director of Business Development. "AAIMS is especially useful when tbe crew knows the aircraft was stressed, AAIMS will direct us where to go look for damage. It also serves as a tooI for crew training and maintenanc and materia1 planning. AAlMS will be fitted on all remaining AUC P-3 aircraft."

USN’s Reserve Patrol Squadron 92 to be decommissioned

(06feb07) Brunswick Naval Air Station's reserve P-3 Orion squadron will be eliminated and more than 40 service members reassigned elsewhere in late November, the Navy announced Monday. The reserve patrol squadron VP-92, with 37 enlistees and six officers, is being deactivated. The move is expected to save at least $3 million in fiscal year 2008, said Lt. Bashon Mann. In a joint statement released Monday, Maine's congressional delegation indicated it had expected the reserve squadron to stay put until squadrons began moving out of Brunswick as part of the Base Realignment and Closure to begin in 2008. "The squadron's premature exit from Brunswick is a tremendous disappointment given the significant impact the closure of the base is already having on the entire Brunswick community," the delegation said.

Canada might get rid of six CP-140 Auroras

(31jan07) Budget cuts might lead to the downsizing of Canada’s 18-strong fleet of CP-140 Auroras. The recommendation is part of a military plan to pare down its ships, surveillance aircraft, and helicopters to help pay for new equipment in the future. The cuts include six Aurora maritime patrol aircraft. As it gets rid of the Auroras, the air force will purchase approximately 12 aerial drones to be located at CFB Comox and CFB Greenwood in Nova Scotia for domestic surveillance and overseas operations. The first of those will be in operation starting in 2008. The purchase of longer-range drones would be considered in the future. Work will be stopped on the ongoing $900 million modernization program for the Aurora and the remaining aircraft will be re-assigned to Arctic sovereignty patrols.

First of eight “new” Orions for Pakistan Navy

(18jan07) The first of eight P-3C Orion aircraft to be acquired from USA, was formally inducted in the Pakistan Navy during a ceremony held at PN aviation base PNC Mehran near Karachi. Acting Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Muhammad Haroon said that Pakistan enjoy strong defence ties with US, adding that release of P-3C Orion aircraft to Pakistan was a real sign of sustained mutual cooperation between the two countries and a tangible translation of their commitment to make the world a peaceful and safer place to live. He said that the uncertainties of present-day regional maritime environment pose complex challenges of terrorism, arms smuggling, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and drug and human trafficking at sea. There is an urgent need of denying the use of sea for illegal activities and acts of terrorism for safety and security of humankind. He said that induction of P-3C Orion aircraft would add to the existing strength of Pakistan Navy and enhance its surveillance capabilities in the North Arabian Sea. He also apprised that the second aircraft is expected to arrive next month and the entire process of acquiring eight P-3C would be completed in three to four years.

Pakistan’s new Orion (# 84), after landing at PNS Mehran (photo via Lockheed Martin)

Norwegian P-3N at Antarctica

(06jan07) After a seven hour flight from Cape Town, a Royal Norwegian Air Force P-3C Orion landed at Queen Mauds Land (Antarctica) on Saturday 6 January 2007. It was the first time ever for a Norwegian P-3 to land at Antartica. During the flight the crew was constantly given weather updates for their destination. Halfway the trip the plane commander had to take a decision to go through or turn around. The Orion lost radio contact with the land base, but thanks to satellite telephones onboard, the crew was able to re-establish contact with air traffic control and with the polar institute base in Antarctica. Although RNoAF's 333sqn has a lot of experience with P-3 operations in winter conditions, it was the first time for them to land an Orion on ice. The squadron had one crew member in Antarctica since the beginning of January to prepare for the operation and to verify that the landing circumstances and conditions were acceptable. The P-3N remained in Cape Town until 17 January and made some additional trips to Antarctica.

The RNoAF lands at Antarctica (photo: RNoAF/333sqn)

RNLNAS Valkenburg definitively closed

(31dec06) The Royal Netherlands Navy does have one base less. On 31 December 2006, the main gate of RNLNAS Valkenburg closed forever after approximately sixty years. The curtain fell already mid December, when the last Commanding Officer, Capt. Erik Kopp, ordered to lower the Dutch national flag for the last time during an "All Hands". That happened before a deputation of the remaining seventy crew member of the air station. According to Kopp several attempts to convince politicians to keep the P-3s and the base were launched. "We can be proud that we never threw with mud during that process." At Valkenburg, home base of the RNLN Lockheed Martin P-3C CUP Orions, once 850 people had a job. Kopp said that most of them found a job elsewhere in the Dutch armed forces. For the remaining few, mostly civilians, jobs will be found through a social political program. The area of the now former air station has been handed over to the Dutch Ministry of Treasury on 1 January 2007. In the future most likely houses will be build on the former base. Capt. Erik Kopp has been appointed as the Head of Board Support at the office of the Dutch Chief of Naval Forces, Adm. Kelder, at the Naval Base in Den Helder.

L-3 gets P-3 SMIPS contract

(26dec06) L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, LP, Greenville, Texas, is being awarded a $109,380,112 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract (N00019-05-D-0008) to exercise an option for the P-3C Sustainment, Modification and Installation Program (SMIP). Work will be performed in Greenville, Texas (50 percent); Waco, Texas (25 percent); and Birmingham, Ala. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Australian Aerospace to maintain RAAF Orion fleet

(21dec06) Eurocopter, through its Australian subsidiary, Australian Aerospace, and the Australian Government signed today a nine-year contract worth A$201 million for deeper maintenance of the RAAF AP-3C Orion aircraft. The AP-3C fleet is based at RAAF Edinburgh and the work is carried out at RAAF Bases at Richmond and Edinburgh. Australian Aerospace is a member of the Australian P3 Accord signed in November of 2005 that will provide Block Upgrade Programs and Through Life Support for the RAAF AP-3C fleet through to its planned withdrawal, currently 2015. The P3 Standard Support Contract signed today will further expand Australian Aerospace involvement and support of the platform and involves a major investment for Australian Aerospace and Eurocopter in local capability and Australian skills. Australian Aerospace has been performing the Deep Maintenance of the RAAF AP-3C fleet since 1993. AP-3C Orion aircraft are critical to Australia's national and international maritime patrol reconnaissance and strike capability and play a significant role in Australian border protection and in operations in the Middle East and other parts of the world. At present, there are around 140 Australians working on AP-3C Orion maintenance at RAAF Richmond (near Sydney) and RAAF Edinburgh (in Adelaide).

CAE to build German P-3C CUP OTT

(12dec06) CAE was awarded a contract to develop a P-3C Orion operational tactics trainer (OTT) for the German navy. The contract, valued at about $28 million, calls for CAE to design, manufacture and maintain a new OTT to train the rear-crew sensor operators in the Orion. The OTT will be networked with the aircraft's operational flight trainer, which CAE is upgrading. The P-3C OTT is scheduled for delivery to the German navy air wing in Nordholz in fall 2008. CAE's P-3C OTT program team includes Lockheed Martin and EADS. The German navy acquired eight P-3C aircraft and a P-3C operational flight trainer from the Royal Netherlands Navy in 2005. As part of the navy's P-3C Capability Upkeep Program, CAE was awarded a contract in late 2005 to upgrade the Orion's flight trainer.

Pakistan Navy P-3C re-activated

(13sep06) One of two P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft, after being grounded for five years, have been reactivated for Pakistan's terror war as a roll out ceremony was held Tuesday in southern Pakistan's naval air base, according to a statement released by Pakistan Navy. Addressing the ceremony attended by U.S. diplomats and engineers from the aircraft manufacturers Lockheed Martin and OGMA, Pakistani Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the maritime component of the U.S.-led counter terrorism coalition in the region "Operation Enduring Freedom" which was launched in late 2001. "Re-activated P-3Cs would contribute significantly to this end, besides PN (Pakistan Navy) ships which already make an important part of Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan," he said, reiterating Pakistan Navy's pledge to continue playing an active role in the global war on terrorism, according to the statement. Extending his gratitude to the U.S. government for its generous support in re-activation and operationalisation of the aircraft, the Pakistani navy chief hoped that it would bring a major transformation in Pakistan's naval air arm in terms of assets and capability. The two P-3C aircraft were manufactured in 1990 at Lockheed's plant in California, and with the overhaul of both the aircraft becoming due, they were grounded for a period of 5 years, said the statement.

NAS Keflavik disestablished

(10sep06) Naval Air Station Keflavik (NASKEF) disestablished Sept. 8 during a ceremony officially ending its 45 years of operations in support of the defense of Iceland. More than 100 Sailors attended the event, representing a majority of the forces that remain of a population that once exceeded 5,000 military and civilian personnel and family members. Special guests included U.S. Ambassador to Iceland Carol Van Voorst and special envoy for Iceland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thorsteinn Ingolfsson. Commander, Navy Region Europe, Rear Adm. Noel Preston said the base played an important role in his region's military strategy. "In the height of the Cold War, this was the place to be to protect against Soviet submarines. And we were successful and the NASKEF team had a great deal to do with that," Preston said. "Now the world has changed and we are facing a war on terrorism. We are changing how we plan and prepare for this war. But what will not change is our friendship and partnership with Iceland." The United States has had a military presence in Iceland since 1941, and a formal defense agreement with that nation since 1951. The Navy assumed the responsibility of running the air station from the U.S. Air Force in 1961. The base acted as a platform for several operational capabilities throughout World War II, the Cold War and in the modern arena. The hangar housed rotational P-3 Orion aircraft and crews in support of anti-submarine warfare until 2004. The Army National Guard units and Interim Marine Security Forces stormed the lava fields surrounding the base during training exercises such as Northern Viking. The flight line served as a launching point for U. S. Air Force F-15 fighters.

NTSB: Structural Failure Not to Blame in 2005 Air Tanker Crash Near Chico

(05sep06) A federal aviation safety agency has determined that the P-3 Orion aerial fire tanker that crashed near Chico last year didn't break up in midair. Three crew members died in the crash. In its report, the National Transportation Safety Board determined the former Navy attack plane didn't suffer engine or control problems when its wing tip hit the ground during a practice run. The report also found the weather wasn't a factor, there was enough light to fly safely and the crew was not under the influence of drugs. The four-engine tanker operated by Chico-based Aero Union went down in remote terrain within the Lassen National Forest on April 20, 2005. The aircraft was one of 33 taken out of service for a time in 2004, after federal authorities became concerned about the safety of four-engine tanker aircraft.

Norway to replace P-3 Orion wings

(29aug06) The Norwegian Air Force has secured funds from the Ministry of Defense to replace and upgrade the wing sections of its six P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft. The structural upgrade is designed to extend the life of the aircraft to 2030. "Funding for this defense expense was an easy decision to make as the upgrade is decisive for our ability to safeguard the integrity of our borders through improved surveillance. It will also be significant in supporting international missions," said Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen. The RNoAF P-3 Orions are based at Andøya air base and form part of the 333 Squadron. The RNoAF will send one P-3 Orion to the Sigonella air base, Sicily, in September. The aircraft deployment forms part of Norway's ongoing contribution to the NATO-led Active Endeavour operation.

RNZAF P-3K Orion may move to Ohakea

(18aug06) The New Zealand government has called for detailed costings for moving the Air Force's Whenuapai operations to Ohakea.
The relocation of Whenuapai Base's present operations to the lower North Island base could require as many as 26 separate construction projects, Defence Minister Phil Goff said yesterday. The projects will prepare the World War II-vintage base to cater for the new NH90 helicopters and Whenuapai-based Boeing 757 troop and VIP carriers, C-130 Hercules transports and P-3K Orion surveillance aircraft. Apart from hangars, modern buildings were needed for barracks, offices and a departure and reception lounge for the international airport.

The future of RAAF Maritime Patrol Aviation

(18aug06) In March 2006, DID reported that Australia was speeding up its planned AIR 7000 project for a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAV, and considering a US offer to be part of a pacific "pool" of Global Hawks. Australia's Coastwatch program will soon use the Mariner UAV for long-range maritime patrol, and the USA's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program for a companion UAV to the new P-8A Multi-mission. Now, all of these projects are potentially coming together...

The Australian government has given first pass approval to the AIR 7000 UAV project, under which Australia will spend A$ 1.0-1.5 billion to develop a "multi-mission unmanned aerial system." Formal negotiations will begin with the USA on a cooperative development program linked to BAMS, and a decision is expected by late 2007. Australian industry participation will be a key factor, especially with respect to the Integrated Ground Environment for UAV control and fusion of sensor information. With respect to the UAVs in contention, Northrop Grumman's RQ-4 Global Hawk is currently in use as a maritime UAV demonstrator. The Australian Defence Materiel Organisation has also issued an $A 4.7 million (USD $3.5 million) to conduct an October 2006 virtual Global Hawk demonstration trial for North West shelf patrols in the company's Cyber Warfare Integration Network (CWIN) in San Diego, CA. The General Atomics Mariner UAV (derived from the MQ-9 Predator B) is also a candidate for BAMS; as noted above, it will be trialed in live operation for Australia's Coastwatch during August & September 2006. Finally, Aerovironment is also attempting to enter the AIR 7000 competition with a military version of its Global Observer UAV. The HALE Global Observer UAV runs on hydrogen fuel cells, has a loiter time of up to 7 days, and can also be used as a broadband communications relay.

The introduction of the MUAS will reduce the operational burden on Air Force's AP-3C Orion maritime patrol fleet until the aircraft's planned withdrawal from service around 2015 - 2018. Under Project AIR 7000 the existing manned maritime patrol capability will be replaced with a mix of both unmanned and manned aircraft, and Phase 2 of AIR 7000 will focus on determining whether to refurbish or replace the AP-3C Orion fleet. Note that in addition to BAMS, Australia is also a potential participant in the P-8A MMA program.

Upgraded EP-3 aircraft goes to full rate production

(26jul06) The Program Executive Office for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs granted full rate production approval June 29 for the EP-3E Joint Airborne Signals Intelligence Architecture Modernization Common Configuration (JCC) Program spiral one aircraft. The Navy’s Operational Test and Evaluation Force performed the operational evaluation (OPEVAL) of the spiral one aircraft and reported June 26 that it was “operationally effective and suitable”. The EP-3 team is fielding this aircraft two months ahead of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations targeted initial operating capability (IOC) date, and eight months ahead of the required IOC date. “This is another significant increase in capability that we are providing for the Navy’s Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons,” said Capt. Joe Rixey, NAVAIR’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program manager (PMA-290). The aircraft, delivered by L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3 IS) in Waco, Texas, brings ForceNet (Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System, and Secret Internet Protocol Router Network), Hostile Forces Integrated Targeting System Multi-Platform Emitter Geolocation, Enhanced Rosetta Stone, automated electronic surveillance measures capabilities, plus active Link-16 transmit to the EP-3E as baseline systems. L-3 delivered the first of four spiral one low-rate, initial-production (LRIP) aircraft to the Navy in March. The $18 million full-rate production contract calls for six additional aircraft to be upgraded to the spiral one configuration.

PoAF Esquadra 601 to move

(13jul06) PoAF 601 Sq. is going to be moved from Montijo AB to Ovar, up in the North. That military aerodrome will be transformed into Air Base 13 (BA13) and will house all the PoAF's P-3 Orions. All the P-3C are now at Montijo except for 304, still undergoing repair of the damaged wing. The move of the Orions was confirmed last Tuesday by the PoAF Chief. Next Summer, the C-295M/Persuader II will start to arrive at Montijo AB and by that time the P-3s will be already at Ovar.

RNLNAS Valkenburg closed down

(29jun06) Thursday 29 June 2006, 02:12pm local time: ATC RNLNAS Valkenburg's last transmission after the departure of the very last visiting aircraft (a RNLN Lynx helicopter): "All stations, all stations, all stations. This is the final transmission of Valkenburg Tower. All flying operations have been stopped and the dismantling the airfield will commence within weeks. In this transmission we honour the men and women who served on this airfield for almost 60 years. They did a great job. Furthermore we recognise and value the positive attitude and cooperation of our surrounding communities and the aircraft enthusiasts. Thank you for your support. This is the final transmission of Air Traffic Control Valkenburg. Valkenburg Tower... Out". You can listen to this transmission at http://www.dapho.nl/final%20trnsmission.htm

RNLN took leave of the P-3 Orion

(22jun06) A sad and emotional moment at RNLNAS Valkenburg today, when P-3C CUP Orion #312 took off from its homebase for the very last time. At 3:00pm the aircraft arrived from OGMA at Alverca in Portugal, where it went through SDLM. At the flightline the aircraft was welcomed by the fire brigade and all remaining personnel of the base. After a crew change 312 taxied out to Valkenburg’s runway 23 for its last take off in RNLN service. After a short take off run the aircraft made a spectaculair right turn. It made a low speed low pass over the flight line, followed by a medium speed low pass and a final high speed pass. After this emotional good bye the aircraft set course for its new home base, NAS Nordholz in Germany.

Two photos of the very last P-3 Orion at RNLNAS Valkenburg. After today it will become very quiet at the base….too quiet (photos: Jaap Dubbeldam)

VP-30 bids farewell to RAF and RNLN exchange instructors

(22jun06) It was a day of mixed emotions when on 24 May 2006 three most experienced foreign exchange instructors took to the skies for the last time in a P-3 Orion. After a highly productive liaison lasting more than 20 years, the Dutch and British Personal Exchange Program (PEP) came to a close. The Dutch MoD has sold the RNLN’s P-3 fleet to Germany and Portugal, while reductions in the RAF resulted in the loss of a Nimrod MR2 squadron and a subsequent decrease in personnel exchange billets. To mark the occasion, staff and students from five countries conducted a tactical training flight together. Sgt. Maj. Richard van Rhijn (RNLN) conducted a flight engineer instructor under training event for AME1 Adkins (USN), while Squadron Leader Tim Monk (RAF) supervised Capt. Travis Field (CAF) and Lt. Bart Freriks (RNLN) trained a new German TACCO Kapitan Lt. Thomas Krey. Upon return to NAS Jacksonville, a welcoming committee consisting of VP-30’s Skipper Capt. Tim Brewer, squadron personnel and the NAS Jax Fire Department greeted the allies with the traditional soaking compliments of the fire crew. This flight was a major milestone for Richard van Rhijn as he surpassed 5000 flight hours in the P-3. Jim Paroles from Lockheed Martin was in attendance to present Van Rhijn with a certificate, patch and pin denoting the accomplishment. Van Rhijn leaves the RNLN to fly C-130s with the RNLAF, Freriks returns to the RNLN to serve on an air defence ship and Monk is taking a staff appointment in the UK.

Left photo: Richard van Rhijn, Bart Freriks (both RNLN) and Tim Monk (RAF) get the traditional soaking. Middle photo: Richard van Rhijn is acknowledged for surpassing 5000 hours in the P-3; from left VP-30 XO Cmdr Mark Greasey, Richard van Rhijn (RNLN), Jim Paroles (LM) and VP-30 CO Capt. Tim Brewer. Right photo: the international crew of this special flight pose for a picture together with VP-30’s Commanding Officer (photos: VP-30 via Bart Freriks)

German Navy P-3 training squadron left Valkenburg

(21jun06) Today the German Navy’s MFG3 Naval Air Systems Training Squadron (MFlgSysAusbStff) has left RNLNAS Valkenburg in The Netherlands. The training period at Valkenburg has been completed. This also meant that P-3C CUP 98+01 (former RNLN bird #303) made its last take off from Valkenburg after the base had been its homebase for almost 24 years.

P-3C CUP 98+01 is leaving RNLNAS Valkenburg for the very last time. The weather was miserable…so was the occasion (photos: Marco P.J. Borst)

P-3 with a “soccer nose”

(12jun06) With the World Championship Soccer being held in Germany, a healthy bit of rivalry between Holland and Germany is a kind of tradition. And since Dutch instructors are training German P-3 crews at RNLNAS Valkenburg, soccer is a major subject at the air station these days. Last Friday, when all German personnel had left Valkenburg for the weekend, a Dutch maintenance crew decided to fit a bright orange nose radome on a German Navy P-3C CUP Orion …orange is the colour of the Dutch national soccer team. This morning, when they returned from their weekend, the Germans found their aircraft 98+01 like this:

Although most of the German Navy personnel could laugh about the orange nose radome, it was changed for a grey one from aircraft #302 shortly after it was discovered. P-3C CUP #302 is now the RNLN’s World Championship Bird. It was good to see that the RNLN maintenance personnel still has a good sense of humour, despite the fact that they will see their last aircraft depart forever next week…

RNLN’s World Championship Bird #302 during a low pass over Valkenburg (photo: Martin Herbert)

Lockheed Martin delivers 10^th and final P-3C CUP

(31may06) Today delivered the 10th upgraded P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft originally contracted by the U.S. Navy's Naval  Air Systems Command as part of a foreign military sale to the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN). Under the 2001 contract, Lockheed Martin was awarded more than $73 million to upgrade 10 P-3C aircraft to a unique customer configuration which included advanced computer processing and mission systems integration capabilities; improved communications systems; and state-of the-art acoustic and non-acoustic sensors.  The first upgraded aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Navy in November 2003.

Left: RNLN P-3C CUP #305 during the delivery ceremony in Lockheed Martin’s hangar at Greenville, SC. Right: Mr. Rick Kirkland, Lockheed Martin vice president for the Maritime Surveillance Enterprise addressing the crowd (photos: Lockheed Martin)

During the same ceremony NAVAIR’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) Program Office (PMA-290) delivered the upgraded P-3C aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN). “This event is a double-edged sword,” said Steve Liebler, the principal deputy in PMA-290, who spoke at the ceremony. “While it commemorates the success of the CUP, it also marks the end of a nearly 30 year era of friendship and mutually rewarding cooperation in MPRA operations. We will miss our long-term relationship with the Dutch.” In 1984, NAVAIR delivered the last of the original 13 aircraft to RNLN through foreign military sales (FMS). In 2000, the Dutch signed an FMS case to upgrade the sensor and avionic systems on 10 of the 13 aircraft. The remaining three aircraft were placed in long-term storage. This modification, called the Capabilities Upkeep Program (CUP), provided an updated version of the P-3C, and was performed by Lockheed Martin in Greenville, S.C. “The RNLN, the U.S. Navy, and Lockheed Martin teamed together to ensure that this program was a great success,” said Tom Pillion, PMA-290 director of MPRA International Programs. In 2004, after, the upgrades had begun, the Dutch Parliament decided to cancel its MPRA requirement and close the supporting base, Naval Air Station Valkenburg. The Dutch ceased operational P-3 flying in January 2005, and the base is scheduled for final closure later this year. Upon Parliament’s decision, and an approved U.S. government third-party transfer, the RNLN sold its P-3C aircraft to the German and Portuguese governments. "With the delivery of the final CUP aircraft, a schoolbook example of how to run a complex international modernization program comes to an end,” said RNLN Captain Bart Escher, CUP program manager for the Netherlands Defense Materiel Organization. “For the Royal Netherlands Navy this was not just an FMS-case or contract. This program showed all elements of partnership between people and organizations that is so important to complete the job. All teams involved, Lockheed Martin - Eagan and Greenville, the NAVAIR PMA-290 team and the RNLN team have shown excellence and professionalism that allowed us to quickly find and implement solutions for the challenges met."

Second Brazilian P-3 ferried to Spain

(24may06) Aero Union Corporation (AUC) completed the activation and ferry flight of the second of twelve Brazilian owned Lockheed P-3A Orion aircraft, BuNo 152174 with Brazilian registration FAB7201. With AUC crews piloting the aircraft, they departed AUC in Chico, California on the morning of May 22 and flew non-stop to Bangor, Maine where the aircraft cleared US Customs. The crew spent the evening and departed Bangor the following morning and flew non-stop to EADS CASA facilities in Getafe, Spain. The aircraft landed at 3:00 PM local time on May 24. There were no maintenance issues and only a slight weather delay. "This aircraft is the second P-3AM prototype that will be completely modernized including EADS CASA Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) and engine upgrades to T56-A-14", says Robert Farinsky, Director of Business Development.

The Aero Union flight crew at Getafe, Spain (photo: Dan Mathern, AUC)

Official transfer of first P-3C CUP Orion to Germany

(18may06) During the ILA (International Air and Space Exhibition ) in Berlin, the first P-3C CUP Orion changed officially into the  fleet of the German Navy. For the delivery of the P-3C CUP Orion numerous high-ranking guests appeared, among them the inspector of the navy Vice Admiral Wolfgang E. Nolting. The Minister of the defense of the Netherlands, Henk G.J. Kamp, opened the meeting with a speech, before he handed the log book of the P-3C CUP Orion over to the Federal Minister of the defense, Dr. Franz Josef Jung. Subsequently, the commander of the first P-3C crew, commander Björn Malmus received the log book from Jung. Malmus is a squadron commander of the naval pilots system training unit in Valkenburg, The Netherlands. He invited both Ministers to visit the aircraft. All stations were manned by crew members, who explained their task spectrum and the work range. After the tour in the P-3C both Ministers of Defense sat down into the cockpit.  The maritime long-range reconnaissance and ASW aircraft P-3C CUP Oion is the new piece of splendour of the German Navy. It replaces the Breguet Br1150 Atlantic.

Dornier Flugzeugwerft receives support contract for P-3C Orion

(12may06) Dornier Flugzeugwerft GmbH (DFW) has received the contract for the system support of the P-3C CUP Orion for the German Navy's eight maritime patrol aircraft. The consortium of DFW with Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (ESG) and the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) signed a contract today, Friday, May 12th, 2006, for the system support of the P-3C CUP Orion. The consortium submitted the most cost-effective bid for the support of the P-3C Orion. As the system support company within the joint venture with ESG, DFW assumes the role of authorized representative. "We have positioned ourselves well for the P-3 Orion support and are confident that, being integrated in the military aeronautics centre in Manching, we have the optimal framework at our disposal," stated Dietmar Schrick, Head of EADS Military Air Systems' support activities and Managing Director of DFW, at the signing of the contract. "Thanks to many years of experience in the system support of mission aircraft such as the Breguet Atlantic and the NATO E-3A AWACS, DFW is in the best position to meet the Navy's requirements with regard to supporting the maritime patrol and antisubmarine system P-3C Orion." DFW will be responsible for the pivotal system support tasks such as maintenance, technical logistic support and development engineering support, as well as for the Type Inspection Office which acts as the connecting point between military certification and the Bundeswehr Technical Centre (WTD) 61, also in Manching. In addition, DFW will head the materiel management for the P-3C Orion fleet. DFW will mainly perform the aforementioned tasks in the Military Air Systems Center Manching. DFW is setting up a branch office at the Naval Air Wing (MFG) 3 Graf Zeppelin" in Nordholz for support services, on-condition system maintenance and spare parts supply. As part of the technical logistic support (TLS), DFW will update the documentation and adapt the inspection procedures to meet the conditions of the Navy. ESG will manage the TLS activities for the majority of the CUP-specific devices of the P-3C. In future, the entire spare parts supply for the P-3C CUP Orion will be based on a modern materiel management concept from industry. In this way, DFW shall be responsible for providing wear and replacement parts for flight operations in Nordholz and for the Dornier Aircraft Service Center in Manching. Within the scope of this concept, ESG will be responsible for the maintenance of all replacement parts.

Dutch/German P-3C mission with weapons load

(05apr06) Quite an unusual sight at RNLNAS Valkenburg today: P-3C CUP Orion #308 taxied out with an external weapons load for a training mission with a German crew. RNLN Orions have never been using the wing stations let alone that they have flown with external loads. These pictures of a Dutch P-3 with dummy weapons below its wings are very unique (click on the pictures for a larger image):

RNLN P-3C CUP #308 with an external load of dummy weapons lining up for Valkenburg’s runway 05 (left) and during a low pass over the same runway on 5 April 2006 (both photos: Jaap Dubbeldam)

PoAF 601 squadron celebrates 20^th Anniversary

(25mar06) Formed in March 1986, shortly after the arrival of the first P-3P, the PoAF “Esquadra 601 – Lobos” located at Base Aérea 6, Montijo, South of Lisbon, has celebrated its 20^th Anniversary on 25 March 2006 under the motto "Esquadra 601, 20 Anos sobre o mar" (601 Squadron, 20 Years over the sea). Most of the events took place in one of the squadron’s maintenance hangars. Inside the invited guests where surprised with the presence of the P-3P 14803 painted in special markings On both sides of the fuselage the head of a wolf, the squadron’s mascot, has been painted. Also special markings were painted on the tail. During the celebrations 601 squadron received a certificate from the environmental association “Grupo Lobo” for their support on the protection of the Iberian wolf. Parked outside the hangar where the two ex-RNLN P-3C CUP Orions, recently arrived from the United States, side by side with one of the P-3P Orions exhibiting the range of armament and other equipment used. Two aircraft (300 and the P-3P) were open to the visitors. For more pictures see the Walkarounds website by Nuno Martins.

Three photos of P-3P 14803, showing the special markings on occasion of the squadrons’s 20th Anniversary (photos: Nuno Martins)

Germany receives first P-3C CUP Orion

(18mar06) On 28 February 2006 at about 11:30am local time, the transfer of ownership for the first German aircraft (ex RNLN #303) was signed at RNLNAS Valkenburg. The aircraft was repainted with German markings the following days and presented to the Dutch and German press on Thursday 16 March. This first aircraft received the preliminary registration number 98+01, but will later be 60+03. On Friday 17 March 2006 98+01 made its first flight as a German Orion. During this five hour mission the aircraft made a couple of low approaches at its future homebase NAS Nordholz.

Germany’s first P-3C CUP Orion 98+01 at RNLNAS Valkenburg’s flightline on 16 March 2006. For detail pics click on the picture (photo: Jaap Dubbeldam)

PoAF receives second ex RNLN P-3C CUP

(17mar06) On 14 March the Portuguese Air Force received its second ex RNLN P-3C CUP Orion at the Lockheed Martin facility at Greenville, SC. The aircraft, still in the old RNLN colour scheme, received Portuguese markings but, like 307, kept its RNLN tail number (300). The aircraft was ferried to Montijo AB in Portugal on Friday 17 March.

Two pictures of PoAF’s 300 during the squadron Anniversary at Montijo on 25 March. The aircraft is still painted in the old RNLN colours (photos: Nuno Martins)

PoAF ferries first ex RNLN P-3C CUP Orion

(20feb06) The Portuguese Air Force’s Esquadra 601 has ferried its first P-3C CUP Orion from NAS Patuxent River to Montijo AB in Portugal on Friday 17 February 2006. The aircraft, still carrying its former RNLN tail number 307, has been at Patuxent River for almost four weeks of crew training. The aircraft was handed over to the PoAF on 19 January 2006.

PoAF’s first P-3C CUP Orion seen at NAS Patuxent River (left) and at Montijo (right, photo: Nuno Martins). The aircraft will soon be re-serialled 14810.

India says no to P-3C Orion

(04feb06) In a rare 'no' to Washington, the Indian Navy has called off the leasing of two US Navy P-3C Orion maritime reconnaissance aircraft (MRA) on grounds they are too expensive. The 18-24 months it would take the US Navy to retrofit the two aircraft to the Indian Navy specifications once the lease had been finalised also contributed to New Delhi opting out of the deal.
"The lease (of two P-3C Orions) is timed out. It was expensive and time-consuming," a senior Indian official associated with the lease negotiations said. The US Navy is believed to have demanded Rs8 billion for the lease via the foreign military sales programme. Fear of US sanctions, like the ones imposed following India's 1998 nuclear tests that led to the Indian Navy's entire Sea King MK42 fleet being grounded due to a shortage of spares, also influenced the navy's decision, officials indicated.

Aero Union re-delivers NASA’s P-3B

(03feb06) Aero Union has completed structural repairs to the NASA P-3B Orion, which arrived at the company’s Chico, CA facilities in September 2005. “The structural repairs completed by Aero Union were significant and included replacement of a section of the wing plank. With the extensive capabilities at Aero union, we were able to manufacture and install the replacement plank section in record time,” says Robert Farinsky, Aero Union’s Director of Business Development. The NASA P-3B (N426NA) was ready in time to meet its early March mission in Alaska, which will be supported by one of Aero Union’s flight technicians. The aircraft departed Chico on 28 January 2006, heading for its home base at Wallops island, VA.

Germany contracts CAE for simulator move and upgrade

(31jan06) CAE has been awarded contracts valued at approximately EUR 10 million (C$14 million) to upgrade a P-3C operational flight trainer (OFT) for the German Navy. In addition, CAE was recently awarded several one year contract extensions by the German Armed Forces valued at approximately EUR 9.5 million (C$13 million) to provide on-site maintenance and logistics support for flight simulation equipment. The Germany Navy recently acquired P-3C aircraft and the simulator from the Royal Netherlands Navy. As part of the German Navy's P-3C Capability Upkeep Program, CAE will relocate the P 3C OFT from RNLNAS Valkenburg in The Netherlands to its facility in Stolberg, Germany in June/July 2006. CAE will upgrade the simulator with new instruments, a host computer, and other software and hardware enhancements to meet the requirements of Level-D qualification. While the P-3C OFT is being upgraded, the German Navy will continue using the simulator for training P-3C aircrews. Upon completion of the upgrades, the P-3C OFT will be relocated from Stolberg to the German Navy's facilities at Nordholz Navy Base in 2010.

US Navy Reserve VP decommission dates

(26jan06) The dates for the decommission of three Reserve Patrol Squadron have been set now:

Unit                  Official Date         Ceremony

VP-65 31 Mar 2006 tentatively 4 March 2006

VP-66               31 Mar 2006 11 February 2006

VP-94               31 Mar 2006       possibly 13 May 2006

VP-94 is currently in Fort Worth but wants to have the ceremony at NAS New Orleans. The Reserve VP wing will be deactivated in FY 2007. Active wings will assume admin control of the three remaining Reserve VPs.

EP-3E might be replaced by P-8A variant

(25jan06) The Boeing Co. announced Tuesday that it will develop an airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance plane based on its best-selling 737 model. It would be a variant of the P-8A Multi Mission Maritime Aircraft that Boeing is developing for the Navy to replace P-3 Orions. Boeing said the P-8A SIGINT (signals intelligence) variant would be used to listen to electronic transmissions and relay that information to military commanders. Much of the work needed to modify 737s for the Navy MMA program will be done at the Renton plant. After several test planes are built, the Navy will decide whether to order up to 100 of the aircraft.

Portugal receives first ex RNLN P-3C CUP Orion

(19jan06) The Portuguese Air Force became the owner of its first P-3C CUP Orion on 19 January 2006. Former RNLN aircraft #307 changed owners at Lockheed Martin's facility in Greenville SC. Remarkable is the fact that the aircraft will have a Portuguese flag and roundel painted on at Greenville, but will retain tail number 307 for the time being. The aircraft will be ferried to NAS Patuxent River soon, where PoAF crews will get their conversion training to the P-3C CUP. After that the aircraft will be ferried to Portugal (most likely in March), where it will get its new tail number 14810 painted on at the OGMA facility in Alverca. #307 is the first of 13 RNLN Orions to be handed over to Portugal (five) and Germany (eight) this year. Germany is expected to take delivery of its first P-3C CUP Orion early February.

RNZAF lands first Orion in Antarctica

(17jan06) The Royal New Zealland Air Force has landed an Orion aircraft in Antarctica for the first time, in an attempt to find out whether surveillance patrols of the Southern Ocean can be extended. The Orion has returned to Christchurch after a trial landing on ice runways. The air force says having flights based in Antarctica would mean it could spend more time carrying out the patrols over the Southern Ocean.

photos: RNZAF.

Philippine Air Force shortlists P-3 Orion

(17jan06) The Philippine air force plans to launch competitions this year for new attack and utility helicopters, but has delayed its intended procurements of new ground-attack and fighter aircraft. The helicopter acquisitions have been made the air force's top
priority in a bid to improve Philippine security. As a result, most of the service's other acquisitions have been pushed back until the next
six-year spending programme, to begin in 2012. A major exception is for maritime patrol aircraft, with the service having shortlisted the
Bombardier Dash 8 and Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion for an initial three-aircraft requirement to be met late in its current six-year plan.
A further three aircraft will be acquired from 2012.

First Brazilian P-3 ferried to Spain

(11jan06) On 20 December 2005, the first P-3 Orion for the Brazilian Air Force made its first flight out of Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona after having been in storage there for almost sixteen years. The aircraft, former USN P-3A BuNo 152180 with its new Brazilian registration FAB 7200, made a 2 hours and 20 minutes test flight and later flew to Chico, California. On 10 January 2006, the aircraft flew from Chico, Ca. to Bangor, Maine non-stop for an overnight rest. The next day it flew on to Getafe non-stop from Bangor  with no maintenance issues. During the ferry flight the Orion was piloted by a crew from the Aero Union Corporation. This company was contracted by EADS/CASA to restore the Brazilian Orions into flying condition and to do the ferry flights of the aircraft to Spain (eight a/c) and Brazil (three a/c). EADS/CASA will modify the P-3A Orions into P-3AM Orions with the company's Fully Integrated Tactical System  (FITS), similar to the system used to upgrade the Spanish Air Force P-3B Orions into P-3M Orions.

FAB7200 arriving at Getafe in Spain (photo: Aero Union)

Three USN Reserve VPs to be disestablished

(29nov05) Effective 31 March 2006, Reserve patrol Squadrons VP-65, VP-66 and VP-94 will be disestablished. VP-65 is in Point Mugu, CA.  VP-66 in Willow Grove, PA.  VP-94 in New Orleans, LA.  None of the three squadrons has any aircraft left on the ramp.  Their twelve P-3s were already on temp loan to active squadrons.  All twelve will be transfered no later than 01 February 2006 to either the active fleet or the boneyard at Davis Mothan AFB. IMRL gear and SE are already in process of being shipped to other locations. This will reduce the Reserve P-3 force to a total of 18 P-3 aircraft in FY 06, divided over the remaining three squadrons (VP-62, VP-69, and VP-92), which now function as Fleet Readiness Units, training reserve crews to augment the active VPs when needed.

Pentagon OKs India P-3C purchase

(15nov05) The US Defense Department on Monday told Congress it approved the sale to India of logistics support worth $133 million for two Lockheed Martin Corp. P-3C reconnaissance aircraft it plans to lease. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the logistics support includes training devices, operations and maintenance training, as well as spare parts. Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed would be the prime contractor, which DSCA said would help improve India's security, while at the same time strengthening the US-India strategic partnership. Congress has 30 days to block the proposed sale, although such action is
rare.

Taiwan government cancels P-3C buy

(10nov05) The legislative national defense committee ruled on Wednesday to cancel two budgets set aside for weapons procurement NT$10.9 billion earmarked for three PAC-III Patriot anti-missile systems and NT$40 million of preparatory funds for the purchase of twelve P-3C anti-submarine patrol aircrafts.

P3Eurion: teaming for the future

(09nov05) Last month the National Aerospace Laboratory NLR, The Netherlands, announced the birth of P3Eurion, a European-initiated and US Navy supported P-3 Orion technical forum for the entire P-3 Orion community. With the focus shifting to MMA over the next ten years, Orion operators should realize that in the future the US Navy may not be able to provide significant technical support to address sustainment issues of the international P-3 community. Attention, budget, and workforce capacity will primarily be focused on MMA. In the same way, the current level of industry engineering support for the Orion may not be readily available due to focus on other programs. This may have significant impact for smaller P-3 Orion operators, who may require technical assistance in later phases of operational service. This potential gap may now be bridged in a pro-active way by a successful and active P3Eurion working group. For further information see www.p3eurion.com.

Logistic Services Int. to support Pakistan Navy P-3C program

(01nov05) Logistics Services International (LSI), Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a not to exceed $30,312,500 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to conduct site surveys, training plan and curriculum development, aircrew and maintenance training, publications review/update, and other support services for the P-3 aircraft for the government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program.  Designed after Navy training standards, the CONUS and/or O-CONUS training/support will provide Pakistan aircrew and maintenance personnel with technical proficiency in their respective positions.  Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. (75 percent) and Karachi, Pakistan (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2010.

EP-3E over North Korea?

(31oct05) North Korea alleged Monday that U.S. spy planes flew about 180 missions over the communist state in October. Pyongyang publishes a monthly tally of US aerial espionage. The US military doesn't comment, although it acknowledges monitoring North Korean military activity. Citing an unidentified military source, the North's official Korean Central News Agency claimed that American aircraft, including U-2 spy planes, RC-135 reconnaissance planes and EP-3E electronic surveillance planes spied on "strategic military objects," coastal areas and under the sea.

L-3 starts work on Korean P-3B Orions

(28oct05) L-3 Communications has begun upgrading the first of eight ex- US Navy Lockheed Martin P-3B (BuNo 152721) maritime patrol aircraft for the South Korean navy. L-3 project manager Ted Park says the first aircraft arrived at L-3's Greenville, Texas facility last week, four months behind the initial schedule. Park says it took longer for the US Navy to reactivate the aircraft and overhaul the engine, propellers and landing gear. L-3 was set to complete the upgrade on the first aircraft in September 2008, but Park says delivery to South Korea will probably slip four months. "It was a very tight schedule...We'll still try to make it in 2008, but it will be challenging," Park says.

New Delhi seeks Orions

(23oct05) India is seeking to lease two Lockheed Martin P-3 Orions from the US Navy as an interim solution to its maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) requirement.The US government last year offered India up to 10 refurbished P-3s, but New Delhi wants to test two aircraft for three years before selecting a new MPA platform. Industry sources say the US Navy is now trying to locate an aircraft it can spare and the US government is trying to determine which mission equipment may have to be removed because of export restrictions. If finalised, the lease will be government-to-government with Lockheed and local aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) providing support. By leasing two P-3s, the Indian navy will be able to augment its MPA capability, now limited to Dornier 228s, almost immediately instead of waiting two to three years for the delivery of new or refurbished aircraft.

Tiny UAVs for the P-3

(13oct05) The US Navy is conducting final safety testing of a low-cost "disposable" UAV that is can be deployed out of a P-3 Orion sonarbuoy drop chute, with customers "waiting" for the device to be cleared for operational use. Operational approval is expected by the end of the year. Depending on the payload, the battery-powered Coyote UAV weighs between 12 to 14 pounds, is a little less than a meter long, has a wingspan of about 1.75 meters and an an endurance of 1.5 hours. It has a cruising airspeed of 93 kilometers per hour with a dash airspeed of 140 kilometers per hour with a top operational ceiling of 25,000 feet. Currently, the sensor payload can consist of an off-the-shelf $500 Sony digital camera or a commercial-grade uncooled IR camera. The UAV is "flown" via line-of-sight radio link with a max range of 36 kilometers. In operations, the Coyote pod is dumped out of the P-3's sonar buoy and falls away from the aircraft. The pod breaks open to release the UAV, its wings and folding propeller pop out, and the engine starts up. While the P-3 community will be the first ones to use the Coyote, the Navy is looking at other ways to launch the vehicle from ships and submarines.

VP-30 VR-Det. decommissioned

(06oct05) September 23, marked the end of an era as the U.S. Navy decommissioned VP-30's VR Detachment. The VR Detachment's mission was the global transportation and support of U.S. and allied dignitaries. The ceremony, signifying the end of 28 years of dedicated service, honored all of the men and women who have given their time and energy to fulfil and surpass the aspirations held by those who stood at the commissioning ceremony. Worldwide flag transport was established in 1977 as a VR Detachment in VP-30 to provide logistical support with the versatile VP-3A Orion. During 28 years of mishap-free support, the detachment provided service to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Commandant of the Marine Corps, Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, and foreign dignitaries through the CNO foreign liaison office. In supporting the CNO's foreign liaison office, the detachment completed more than 200 missions transporting naval officials of more than 40 foreign navies. In 1986, the VR Detach-ment expanded support to include CINCLANTFLT/ CFFC requirements, and in the 1990s, Commander, Naval Nuclear Propulsion became a regular customer. In addition to these U.S. Navy admirals, the detachment has transported numerous dignitaries in support of fleet requirements. Among those were two former presidents (George Bush, Sr. and Jimmy Carter), state governors, famous public figures, and numerous senior ranking military officers. Originally, 10 officers and 34 enlisted were assigned to man and support three VP-3A aircraft. In recent history, they had four officers and 16 enlisted to support the only remaining VP-3A. During their many years of service, the VR Detachment completed more than 1,200 flag missions. They flew over 32,000 flight hours while transporting flag officers to all 50 states and more than 60 countries on six continents.

RAAF might operate P-3s until 2025

(04oct05) Australia's Department of Defence is studying options to extend operations of its air force Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft by 10 years, keeping the type in service until 2025. The new target has been established through a maritime surveillance capability review initiated by defence minister Robert Hill earlier this year when Canberra dropped its plan to join the US Navy's Boeing P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft programme. The review includes a study of options to reduce the Royal Australian Air Force's current fleet of 18 maritime surveillance and one electronic intelligence-gathering aircraft to 10-12 platforms, with the associated capability gap to be filled by Australia's proposed Project Air 7000 multi-mission unmanned air vehicle acquisition. Government funding decisions on the latter programme are expected to be delayed until well into 2006, with the National Security Committee having failed to consider the project last July.

A 10-year capability plan issued in February 2004 proposed the introduction of an AP-3C replacement from 2013-15 under an acquisition worth A$4.5 billion ($3.4 billion), but the decision to defer this purchase will provide significant relief to Australia's already stressed defence budget. All capability acquisitions are now the subject of an overarching review.

VQ-2 has left NS Rota

(29sep05) On 19 September 2005 a ceremony at NS Rota marked the end of VQ-2's stay at this air base. Rear Adm. Ricardo Victor Gomez Enriquez, Admiral in Chief, Rota Naval Base, received a plaque commemorating the squadron's relationship with the kingdom of Spain from Cmdr. Clayton A. Grindle, Commanding Officer VQ-2, during a disestablishment ceremony held Monday in a VQ-2 hangar. On Wednesday 21 September 2005, the last VQ-2 aircraft left Rota, Spain on it's way to VQ-2's new homeport of NAS Whidbey Island.

Aero Union supports NASA P-3B

(23sep05) Aero Union Corporation announced in August that NASA selected them to perform structural repairs, routine maintenance activities, and critical mission support. The NASA P-3B, a specialized aircraft used for scientific missions around the globe, recently received major structural repairs by Aewro Union at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The on-site structural repairs were a significant logistics challenge, however a huge success by turning around a situation that could have potentially grounded the P-3 indefinitely.

Aero Union to re-activate P-3s for Brazil

(23sep05) Aero Union Corporation announced last month that EADS CASA, a major European Aeronautic, Defense and Space company, selected Aero Union to re-activate, ferry and provide follow-on manufacturing and technical expertise for the Brazil P-3 program. The program involves twelve former US Navy Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft sold to the Brazilian Government. Up to nine of the P-3 aircraft will undergo a major structural inspection and modernization program by EADS CASA in Spain which includes new mission system, sensors, avionics, and upgraded power plants. The activation involves the careful depreservation of the aircraft and preparation for flight. Once the aircraft are prepared, the Aero Union flight crews will deliver nine aircraft to EADS in Spain, and three to Brazil to be used for spares.

Canada considers Aurora re-wing program

(15sep05) After having decided not to buy the Boeing P-8A MMA, the Canadian MoD now considers to re-wing its fleet of Lockheed Martin CP-140 aircraft to extend their operational life through to 2025. The type has a safe operational airframe life of approximately 25,000 flying hours, which on current usage will take the 18-strong fleet through to around 2010. An options analysis has led Air Command to re-wing the Auroras and extend their life by another 10,000 flight hours, sufficient to take the aircraft through to 2025, rather than proceed with an interim refurbishment followed by a costly MMA acquisition programme. Canada will not be able to acquire any aircraft under the MMA programme until 2015-20. The Department of National Defence hopes the government will approve its plan, to re-wing the aircraft, later this year. A contract would then be awarded in 2006, with the initial delivery of the first life-extension kit in 2008, with a prototype aircraft to be completed by 2009. The last aircraft will be completed in 2014.

WP-3D flew into the eye of hurricane Katrina

(01sep05) NOAA hurricane hunter WP-3D Orion and Gulfstream IV aircraft conducted ten long flights into and around the eye of Hurricane Katrina. Lt. Mike Silah, a P-3 pilot, got to see Hurricane Katrina up close and personal, especially when she was an extremely dangerous Category Five storm in the Gulf of Mexico. The day before the powerful and destructive storm made landfall on the USA Gulf Coast, Silah snapped a series of images capturing the eyewall of Katrina. Silah is a NOAA Corps officer based at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in Tampa, Fla. View the pics at http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2496.htm

Pakistan Navy acquires eight Orions

(31aug05) Pakistan Navy has acquired eight P-3C Orion aircraft from United States,Pakistan Navy (PN) said on Wednesday. "The title of these aircraft has been shifted to PN with signing of the transfer documents by the representatives of U.S. and Pakistan Navies, making the aircraft a property of the government of Pakistan," a Navy statement said. These aircraft would be fitted with modern avionics and mission system by Lockheed Martin, the manufacture of P-3C Orion, according to the statement. "The aircraft are being provided free of cost by the U.S. Navy and the expenses for modification of aircraft avionics systems will be met mostly from the U.S. military aid." With the induction of eight P-3Cs, the existing fleet of PN P-3Cs will grow up to 10 aircraft.

First upgraded P-3K delivered to RNZAF

(24aug05) L-3 Communications announced today that its Integrated Systems (L-3 IS) subsidiary has delivered an upgraded P-3 Orion aircraft to the New Zealand Ministry of Defense two months before the scheduled delivery date of late October 2005. The aircraft is operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The first three of the six aircraft upgrade program have early installation of electro-optics systems, which provide a significant increase in visual and infrared detection capabilities as an interim benefit prior to the full aircraft upgrade. The first of three P-3 Orions with early installation of the electro-optics systems was delivered in mid-August, two months ahead of schedule.

As part of the New Zealand P-3 Systems Upgrade Project, a contract was awarded to L-3 IS in October 2004 and included upgrades to the P-3 Orion's mission systems and communication and navigation equipment. For the early installation, L-3 IS used L-3 Communications Wescam's MX-20 imaging turret system with both video capabilities and an infrared camera. Work continues on the additional aircraft and includes the replacement of the data management, sensor, communications and navigation systems and the provision of associated ground systems. The last aircraft upgrade under the contract is scheduled for completion in 2010.

Indian Navy in talks about two P-3C Orions

(24aug05) The Indian Navy (IN) is in talks with the US Navy (USN) to acquire two P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs) for training purposes as a precursor to purchasing a further six to eight platforms required to fill an operational gap. Additional aircraft could be obtained in future. U.S. diplomatic sources said the USN is "seriously examining" the IN proposal as it would have to withdraw two P-3Cs from the approximately 80 it operates and refurbish them before transferring them to India. Earlier in 2005 Lockheed Martin signed a non-disclosure technical assistance agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) relating to the IN's possible purchase of P-3Cs. The agreement, approved by the U.S. government, permits the two aircraft makers to share export-controlled data related to technical and commercial proposals to retrofit the P-3Cs to meet IN requirements.

First two Orions to Pakistan in December 2005

(12jul05) The United States is to deliver two P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft to Pakistan in December as part of an arms deal approved by Washington last year, a naval official Friday said. The U.S. approved the arms deal worth 1.2 billion dollars for Pakistan last November, which also included supply of eight P-3Cs at the cost of 970 million dollars. "The Pakistan navy will receive two P-3C aircraft in the first phase in December, marking commencement of the delivery process for the eight aircraft," the official told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

"Purchase of these planes is part of a comprehensive plan envisaging modernization and up-gradation of the naval aviation arm," the official said. He added that a team of Pakistan navy flyers is expected to leave for the U.S. in September for an advanced training before arrival of the two P-3Cs. The Pakistan navy is already flying two P-3Cs in addition to French-origin Atlantic surveillance and anti submarine warfare aircraft. Meanwhile, a team of U.S. experts has arrived in the port city of Karachi following lifting of all military sanctions from Pakistan to carry out necessary maintenance of the two P- 3Cs, which the navy had bought in late 1980s from the United States. In March 2004, the U.S. lifted all military sanctions, which it imposed on Pakistan after its nuclear tests in May 1998, in recognition of the latter's role as the frontline state in the war against terror.

Lockheed Martin delivers first AIP modified P-3C-II.5

(12jul05) Lockheed Martin has delivered to the U.S. Navy the first Update II.5 P-3C aircraft modified under the Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP). Under contracts received in 2004 and 2005, Lockheed Martin will install the AIP upgrade kits on five of the service's Update II.5 aircraft. Update II.5 aircraft are older P-3C models which, in many cases, have seen less operational use than subsequent production aircraft. The AIP update program first concentrated on the Update III model P-3C aircraft, and are now focusing on the earlier aircraft. This Update II.5 P-3C aircraft initially will be an additional asset for the U.S. Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 (VX-20) and will be the sea trial demonstration aircraft. In addition to the AIP modifications, this aircraft will receive various networked communication upgrades and planned Anti-Submarine Warfare Maritime Improvement Program (AMIP) enhancements that satisfy Sea Power 21 and FORCEnet constructs. The first sea trial demonstration is planned for November 2005 during the Trident Warrior exercise.

Canada to keep 18 Auroras on strength

(24jun05) The Canadian Ministry of Defence has reversed its earlier decision to reduce the Aurora fleet to sixteen aircraft and will now keep the original eighteen.

VQ-2 scheduled for homeport change

(08jun05) Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 will relocate from Rota, Spain, to Whidbey Island, Wash., effective Sept. 1. The relocation of VQ-2's six aircraft and 450 Sailors to the United States is in keeping with the Navy's ongoing transformation of forces in Europe, and will help reduce costs and eliminate redundancies throughout its force structure worldwide. The move will co-locate the squadron with VQ-1, already based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and will realize efficiencies through the consolidation of personnel deployment practices, aircraft maintenance practices and air crew training for these unique Navy squadrons.

Royal Thai Navy P-3T upgrade

(07jun05) A Royal Thai Navy (RTN) P-3T arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in April for a radar upgrade that will benefit Thailand as well as the United States in the global war on terror. NAVAIR's Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) Program Office (PMA-290) is responsible for the upgrade under the auspices of a foreign military sales (FMS) case. A combined NAVAIR/Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) team at NAS Patuxent River will replace the antiquated APS-80 radar system with a Raytheon commercial off the shelf (COTS) SeaVue radar. This radar will provide enhanced capabilities such as Inverse Synthetic Aperture, as well as a replacement for the functions that were provided by the obsolete APS-80 radar.

The NAWCAD team will take about eight to 10 weeks to install, integrate and test the COTS SeaVue radar. Ground and flight-testing will be performed at NAS Patuxent River, including a functional check flight, and four five-hour test flights. The upgraded P-3T will be used to train an RTN crew consisting of two pilots, a flight engineer, two naval flight officers, one in-flight technician, and one radar operator prior to ferrying the RTN P-3T back to U-Tapao, Thailand.

A three-Phased Depot Maintenance (PDM), the first major maintenance conducted on this aircraft since delivery in 1995, was performed at a Lockheed Martin Aircraft Center (LMAC) in Greenville, S.C. prior to arrival at NAS Patuxent River. A NAVAIR Depot Jacksonville ferry crew flew the aircraft from Greenville to Patuxent River. The RTN plans to upgrade all three operational aircraft. Based on the successful execution of the first upgrade effort, the RTN is currently budgeting for the other two aircraft. The second upgrade could begin as early as October 2005. The RTN is also considering additional avionics upgrades in the future.

Lockheed Martin to do more AIP conversions

(31may05) Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, St. Paul, Minn., is being awarded a ceiling amount $55,975,592 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0082) to exercise an option for the procurement and installation of P-3C Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP) Kits required to convert P-3C UII.5 aircraft to the P-3 AIP configuration. Work will be performed in St. Paul, Minn., and is expected to be completed in December 2007.

Lockheed Martin delivered 65^th P-3C AIP

(24may05) Lockheed Martin has delivered the U.S. Navy's 65th P-3C aircraft modified under the Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP). This aircraft represents the second of five P-3C aircraft Lockheed Martin will update in 2005.

Pakistan orders aditional P-3C Orions

(15may05) Pakistan Navy has placed with the US an order for eight P-3C Orion aircraft, six Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems and at least 60 Harpoon Missiles worth a total package of $1.3 billion. According to sources, the Pentagon has notified the sale of the aircraft and equipment to the US Congress which is expected to approve it within next thirty days. When asked if the payments would be made from the country’s defence budget, an official said the deal would be paid from the US military assistance for Pakistan. According to the official, the eight P-3C aircraft with T-56 engines and associated equipment and services will cost $970 million. The aircraft will help Pakistan Navy develop a long-needed fleet of maritime and border surveillance aircraft. It will add a punch to the navy’s search surveillance and control capability in support of maritime interdiction operations and increase its ability to support the US enduring freedom operations besides adding to the anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare capabilities and a control capability over land against trans-national terrorists and narcotics smugglers. The command-and-control capabilities of the P-3C aircraft will help improve Pakistan’s ability to restrict littoral movement of terrorists along its southern border and ensure the country’s overall ability to maintain integrity of its borders. The US has identified the Lockheed Martin Company of Greenville, South Carolina, as the main contractor for the sale of P-3C aircraft and its parts.

Brazilian P-3BR contract signed

(02may05) The Brazilian government and EADS CASA have signed two important contracts: one where EADS CASA will supply Brazil with C-295 military transport aircraft, and in the second contract EADS CASA will modernize Brazil's fleet of P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, which will include the installation of the FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System), developed entirely by EADS CASA in Spain. The programme concerning the maritime patrol aircraft, named P-3BR, consists of the modernization of eight P-3 aircraft, purchased by the Brazilian government from the US Navy. A state-of-the art FITS mission system will be installed on these aircraft. Work will be carried out at EADS CASA facilities by EADS CASA technicians, with the participation of technicians from the Brazilian industry and Air Force personnel. There is an option to modernize a ninth aircraft. This contract will amount to EUR 320 million.  The P-3 aircraft will be used mainly in Maritime Patrol missions to protect the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), border control, to fight drug trafficking in the Amazon Region, and in rescue missions in an area that is more than 6 million Km2, assigned by the OACI to the Government of Brazil (practically all the South Atlantic). 

Canadian squadrons will merge

(27apr05) 405 and 415(MP) squadrons (both are CP-140 units at 14 Wing Greenwood) will merge as 405 (Maritime Patrol) Squadron this Summer.

Korean P-3B contract

(20apr05) Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has finalised a contract with the South Korean defence ministry for the upgrade of eight Lockheed Martin P-3B Orion maritime patrol aircraft. KAI values the contract at 500 billion won ($496 million), but estimates a further 1 billion dollars in export business. KAI and partner L-3 are jointly marketing the upgrade package to Asia Pacific P-3 operators.The eight ex-US Navy aircraft are to be delivered to South Korea by 2010.

KAI signs agreement for the 2nd phase of Korean P-3 Project

(08apr05) Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), announced that it has finalized the P-3 aircraft upgrading project agreement with the Defense Procurement Agency of the National Defense Ministry for the Korean Navy, worth around 500 billion won. The project, which will be completed as a partnership with the leading worldwide systems integrator L-3 Integrated Systems, is to introduce the surplus P-3 aircraft used by the US Navy, extend their aircraft lifespan and modernize core on-board equipment by using cutting-edge software integration technology. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is scheduled to deliver all P-3 aircraft to the Korean Navy by 2010.  Prior to the agreement, on March 21, KAI announced that it had signed a joint production agreement for technology related transfers of the P-3 project with L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3/IS).

L-3 to perform ESSI’s on USN P-3s

(07apr05) L-3 Communications announced today that its Integrated Systems (L-3 IS) subsidiary has been awarded a $16 million, follow-on contract from the U.S. Navy to conduct Enhanced Special Structural Inspections (ESSIs) and Center Wing Replacement on four P-3 maritime patrol aircraft. With this award, L-3 has been contracted to perform ESSI work on a total of 28 U.S. Navy P-3s. The ESSI program includes a series of structural inspections, pre-emptive repairs, and structural airframe enhancements to support operational P-3 aircraft. The program identifies primary replacement structural components to specifically address high fatigue failure areas discovered during P-3 service life fatigue testing. The ESSI program includes the procurement and installation of kits on P-3 aircraft, which will replace fatigued critical structure in the outer and center wing assemblies. Over the next several years, all 150 P-3 aircraft in the U.S. Navy's fleet will require similar modifications to remain operational. 

The first ESSI aircraft was inducted into L-3 IS' Greenville, Texas facility in October of 2003 and delivered in June of 2004. Six aircraft have been delivered to date, with two additional aircraft deliveries imminent.  L-3 IS has more than 50 years of aircraft modification experience and has modified nearly 300 P-3 aircraft for many customers including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Australia, Greece and Canada. Continuing programs include major tactical system upgrades for the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Republic of Korea's Navy P-3s. This experience and capability includes a workforce with current P-3 experience as well as critical tooling, data and material necessary to support all P-3 initiatives.

Northrop Grumman to inspect USN P-3C wings

(05apr05) Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected to inspect the wings of U.S. Navy P-3C Orion aircraft in order to identify and correct structural fatigue problems. Under a prime contract awarded to ARINC, Incorporated, Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector will inspect six of the Navy's P-3Cs at its Hagerstown, Md. facility. During the inspection, technicians will remove sections of the airframe ``skin'' from leading edges of the wings. They will search for cracks emanating from rivet holes and repair any damage found. A number of aircraft are currently either grounded or flying under heavy performance restrictions as they await the inspection.

Lockheed Martin delivers 64th AIP P-3C aircraft

(24mar05) Lockheed Martin has delivered the 64th P-3C aircraft modified under the Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP) to the U.S. Navy. Lockheed Martin will update a total of five P-3C aircraft in 2005. The AIP upgrades draw on the latest commercial-off-the-shelf and non-developmental technology to provide the next generation of mission capability for the U.S. Navy P-3C. Lockheed Martin has been the prime contractor and systems integrator since 1994 for the aircraft's avionics, including non-acoustic sensors, communications, survivability and displays and controls. New workstations, satellite communication capabilities, and enhanced radar,
optical and infrared (IR) sensors significantly increase the aircraft's surveillance role. The capabilities provided have enabled the aircraft to be used extensively in all major U.S. combined forces operations, including those in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, and others associated with the global war on terrorism.

Last AP-3C delivered to the RAAF

(15mar05) The full fleet of 18 upgraded AP-3C Orions has been successfully delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today. The last of the upgraded AP-3C Orion aircraft have been delivered from the production facility at Avalon airfield in Victoria and will be based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia. A ceremony to mark the delivery of the full fleet has been held at Australian International Airshow at Avalon in Victoria today. "The upgraded Orions are providing an improved surveillance capability to the Australian Defence Force and currently providing invaluable support to the Coalition Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations," Senator Hill said. "The new information systems and advanced sensors on the AP-3C Orions provide a good basis for establishing the aircraft as an important element in our future network warfare capability. "The project was initiated back in the 1990s, primarily to upgrade the avionics on the P-3C Orion fleet. It has been a very complex project providing leading edge technology to Defence's number one surveillance and response aircraft." An AP-3C prototype was produced in Greenville, Texas by L3 Communications (then known as E-Systems); with the remainder of the fleet production completed under sub-contract to Australian industry at Avalon Airfield. Tenix Defence eventually took over the production in mid 2003 and completed the production of the final ten aircraft on schedule. BAE Systems was also involved in the many sub systems including simulation and software development facilities at RAAF Edinburgh. Australian companies will continue to be involved in ongoing maintenance and logistic support of the AP-3C fleet under a proposed alliance arrangement currently being developed.

VP-69: 25 years of mishap-free operations

(11mar05) Reserve Patrol Squadron 69 (VP-69) recently surpassed a quarter century and 73,000 hours of mishap-free flying. This is a significant achievement for any squadron but especially so for a Reserve squadron maintaining an intense operational schedule. VP-69 was established at NAS Whidbey Island Nov. 1, 1970, as a Naval Reserve land based patrol squadron. The squadron has flown various models of the P-3 Orion around the world since transitioning from the P-2 Neptune to the P-3 Orion in 1973. Jan. 18, 1981, marked the last Class 'A' mishap for the squadron. That incident had three of the seven crewmen injured in the P-3A landing mishap. The P-3 was approaching runway 13 just before 3 p.m. on that Sunday afternoon. Public Affairs Officer Lt. Rick Chandler, an eyewitness, said the plane "just dropped out of the sky. He described how the plane "turned on its right side, causing the wing to tear partly out of the fuselage." Leaking fuel caught fire, and all seven persons aboard leaped from the aircraft as it came to rest off the side of the runway. There was no loss of life, but damage to the aircraft was extensive enough to be designated a Class 'A' mishap. Since that day the squadron has earned its long-standing safety record by paying attention to details, using "by the book" maintenance practices and firmly adhering to NATOPS procedures. Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 Capt. Dziminowicz sent a message expressing his gratitude for this achievement and wished the squadron continued success in their duties.

Portugal confirms P-3C buy

(25feb05) The Portuguese MoD confirmed that it is to buy five used P-3C Orions from The Netherlands for 81 million euro (USD 110.6 million). Two aircraft, in the partial P-3C CUP (coastguard) configuration, will be delivered ready for operations but are subject to a modification program expected to start around 2008 at the OGMA facilities at Alverca, Portugal. These two are bought for 27 million euro (USD 36.9 million) each. The other three aircraft are in the original P-3C-II.5 configuration and are bought for 9 million euro (USD 12.3 million) each. According to Portuguese MoD sources the modernization program for these Orions will be subject to a new competition for the delivery of the mission systems. Most likely the systems will be based on the P-3C CUP configuration as two of the five aircraft are completely wired for and partially equipped with the P-3C CUP mission suite. Currently Portugal owns a fleet of six P-3P Orions, two of which are unserviceable. One or two of these will be kept as spare part birds, the other four might be sold or scrapped. The contract for the sale of five P-3C Orions to Portugal has yet to be signed.

P-3C’s urgent requirement for Taiwan

(21feb05) Military experts said yesterday that Taiwan should swiftly build up its P3C maritime-patrol aircraft force. The U.S. has approved the sale of 12 P3C aircraft to Taiwan, but the arms deal including the aircraft as well as three PAC-3 missile batteries and eight diesel power submarines has been delayed in the legislature. If the legislature passed the NT$610.8B bill this year, the U.S. would deliver the first P3C to Taipei in 2008, the next four in 2009, four in 2010 and the last four in 2011. In addition, they urged the acquisition of better 4CISR units from the U.S.

Lockheed Martin and HAL sign P-3C agreement

(08feb05) Lockheed Martin signed a non-disclosure technical assistance agreement (TAA) with India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on 8 February at Aero India 2005 relating to the possible purchase of P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) by the Indian Navy. Military sources said US Navy (USN) officials are due to arrive in New Delhi in February to further discuss the acquisition of eight to 10 refurbished P-3C Orions under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to fill an operational void. "But we would need assurances of lifetime support from the suppliers," IN Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash said. India remains circumspect about acquiring US defence equipment for fear of sanctions and India's Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee has expressed reluctance to sign such deals. "With the possibility of sanctions, America's credibility as a supplier [of defence goods] is in question," Mukherjee said at Aero India where a large number of US defence contractors participated. The IAF was also involved in preliminary negotiations with the US to acquire, through FMS, between 35 and 50 Lockheed Martin C-130Js to replace the ageing fleet of Russian Antonov An-32s. "This is the first time that India has shortlisted US equipment," Lockheed Martin's international communications and public relations director Greg Hubbard told JDW, adding that this was a sign of a growing relationship. Lockheed Martin officials said that before a possible delivery of the P-3C Orions to the IN the aircraft would undergo a mission system upgrade and complete airframe modernisation giving them a 25- to 30-year lifespan.

RNLN 320 squadron and 321 squadron decommissioned

(14jan05) The Netherlands do no longer have an active Maritime Patrol squadron anymore. This afternoon both 320 and 321 squadron, the eldest aircraft squadrons in Dutch military aviation, were officially decommissioned in a ceremony at RNLNAS Valkenburg. Both squadrons were commissioned in Pembroke Dock, Wales, as part of the British Royal Air Force in June 1940. In a hangar at Valkenburg the Commanding Officers Marc de Jong (VSQ320) and Arie Louter (VSQ321) relinghuished their command and handed their squadron crests over to Admiral Van der Aa (Commander Dutch Naval Forces).

RNLN Orions return home after last operational deployment

(07jan05) On Friday 7 January 2005 two RNLN P-3C Orions arrived home, returning from the last operational deployment to Hato AB, Curacao (Dutch Antilles). Due to the very strong wind they unfortunately did not arrive in formation but landed shortly after eachother on Valkenburg’s runway 23. While P-3C #300 was landing, #307 flew overhead crossing the air station. After landing #300 waited for #307 and they taxied to their parking spot together. RNLNAS Valkenburg’s fire brigade gave both aircraft the traditional “shower”. The Farewell flight brought the two Orions from Hato to NAS Key West (Florida), NAS Brunswick (Maine), CFB Greenwood (Canada) and RAF St. Athan (Wales, UK). Due to weather conditions a planned formation fly past over Pembroke Dock could not take place.

RNLN Orions have left Hato AB, Curacao forever

(02jan05) On 31 December 2004 two RNLN P-3C Orions flew the very last last operational mission in RNLN service out of Hato. When they returned at Hato they performed a formation low pass, followed by a spectacular break in front of the ATC tower. On 1 January the two Orions (#300 and #307) departed the base for the last time. On the way back to The Netherlands they will come through:

NAS Key West (1 January)
CFB Greenwood (3 January)
Pembroke Dock, Wales (6 January)
RNLN Valkenburg (7 January)

Because both 320sqn and 321sqn were established at Pembroke Dock, the Orions will bring a last greet there. On 14 January the squadrons will be officially disbanded at Valkenburg.

Eight P-3C Orions for Pakistan

(17nov04) The Pentagon notified Congress on Tuesday about three proposed arms deals with Pakistan, a key ally in the U.S.-led war on terror, including the sale of eight P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft valued at up to $970 million. The Pentagon said the P-3C aircraft, built by Lockheed Martin Corp., would improve Pakistan's ability to restrict the movement of militants along its southern border, in particular, and improve border security everywhere. This past March, Pakistan was named a major non-NATO U.S. ally, making it easier for it to acquire U.S. weapons.

German parliament approves P-3C CUP purchase

(15nov04) The budget committee of the German Bundestag has approved the purchase of eight P-3C Orion long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft from the Royal Netherlands Navy.  With the P-3C Orion, the German navy receives a modern weapon system with which it can effectively undertake the task of maritime surveillance. The Netherlands navy is still in the process of having these aircraft upgraded. Deliveries of the aircraft are planned to begin next year. The procurement contract covers the purchase of eight airplanes at a total cost of 271 millions Euro. It also includes the cost of simulators, documentation, spare parts, ground service and testing equipment.  An additional contract of 24 million euro covers the training of German crews. Further logistic and other support work will be undertaken by German aeronautical-engineering companies. 

India might get P-3C Orions

(15nov04) The US is negotiating to sell eight P-3C Orions to India from its own inventory and storage reserves, under the foreign military sales programme. The US had earlier offered the P-3B Orion version to India, at a cost of $894 million for the eight aircraft with an upgrade package and initial product support. But the Indian navy pushed for the relatively later P-3C version, which the US used extensively in its Iraq operations.

OGMA to reactivate Pakistani P-3Cs

(02nov04) OGMA was chosen by Lockheed-Martin to perform the "reanimation" of two Pakistan Navy P-3Cs - grounded since 1999 - , together with the delivery of eight (8) surplus ex-USN P-3C-I Orions, according to a 1 November press-release of the Portuguese Ministry of Defense. The recovery of the two aircraft will be performed by Pakistani technicians under OGMA's supervision, in Karachi Naval Air Station. The deal that includes the P-3 airframe recuperation and overhaul, modernization and sensor upgrade, is estimated to be worth € 5.3 Million.

Portugal buys last five RNLN Orions

(20sep04) Minister of Defence Henk Kamp has sold the last five P-3C-II½ Orion patrol aircraft, which he offered for sale because of budget cuts. Before the conference of EU ministers of defence in Noordwijk on 17 September, the Portuguese MoD Paulo Portas signed the temporary contract for these aircraft. This means that the entire Orion-fleet of thirteen aircraft has been sold now. The last five aircraft were sold for 9 million euro each in a total contract price of approximately 70 million euro, including spare parts, ground equipment and training of the crews by Dutch instructors. Eight of the ten modernized Orions are going to Germany at a price of 295 million euro. The CUP modernization of the remaining two will be redeemed by the Dutch MoD.

Germany buys eight P-3C CUP Orions

(22jul04) On 20 July 2004 the Dutch government announced that it has reached an agreement with Germany about the sale of eight P-3C CUP Orions aircraft. Pending approval from the German parliament (expected in October), the first aircraft will be handed over to the German Navy at NAS Nordholz in November 2005, the last aircraft will be handed over in March 2006. The sales contract includes eight completely modernized P-3C CUP Orion aircraft, a recently modernized P-3C flightdeck simulator,  a spare parts package and the training of the first German Navy crews at a total (discount) price of 295 million euro. Although not mentioned in the Dutch
MoD's press release, it is believed that ground equipment and special tooling is also included in the deal. Portugal is mentioned as a candidate for the purchase of the remaining five Dutch Orions.

First P-3C CUP Orion arrived at RNLNAS Valkenburg

(23may04) Sunday morning 23 May 2004 around 10:30am the first completely modernised Lockheed P-3C Orion returned at RNLNAS Valkenburg. The aircraft departed to the United States on 7 July 2002. There all tactical equipment was removed from the aircraft and replaced by a completely new mission suite. When the first Orion departed to the Lockheed Martin plant at Greenville, SC, the future for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Maritime Patrol Group (MARPAT) looked bright. With the start of the Capability Upkeep Program (CUP) the future for the Orion in Dutch service was secured until at least 2020. However, in June 2003, the Minister of Defence decided that the ten Orions could be retired as early as 1 January 2004. Pushed by the Parliament the Orions are kept on strength a year longer. MoD Henk Kamp was forced to investigate the options for keeping a smaller, multinational, MARPAT with reduced overhead costs and to come with a solid alternative plan for air surveillance in support of coast guard operations both in The Netherlands and the Dutch Antilles. The MoD’s study results, which were sent to the Parliament on 12 February, were incomplete and even partly wrong. This led to 77 official questions, a public hearing on 21 April and a debate with the MoD on 28 April. After the MoD threatened to resign if the Parliament did not approve his plans, suddenly all political parties (afraid to cause a government crisis) seemed to be “convinced”. The decision to sell the Orions and to close down RNLNAS Valkenburg was a fact. In the meantime it became clear that all ten Orions were going to be modified by Lockheed Martin. The CUP contract would not be disbanded. In all publicity about the Orions and RNLNAS Valkenburg it is often believed that all ten Orions are already modified to P-3C CUP. This is absolutely not true. So far Lockheed Martin has delivered only one aircraft. The second and third aircraft are currently going through the CUP in the USA. The tenth and last aircraft is expected to return to Valkenburg in March 2006. The P-3C Orions were ordered by the Dutch government in 1978 at a price of NLG 58 million (€ 26.3 million) each. The CUP modernisation program costs an average € 20 million per aircraft. With the P-3C CUP the RNLN has the most advanced maritime patrol aircraft, which is capable of conducting reconnaissance missions both over sea and over land. Unfortunately the MARPAT will never get the opportunity to fly operational missions with the CUP aircraft as it is the intention of the MoD to sell the aircraft to Germany as a replacement of the ageing Breguet Br1150 Atlantic. Dutch crew members may only train German crews on the P-3C CUP. For this RNLNAS Valkenburg is expected to remain open  until at least the first quarter of 2006, despite the common belief that it will close down on 1 January 2005.

Dutch MoD Henk Kamp flies onboard one of the P-3s he wants to sell…

(30mar04) It is at least a bit silly: he wants to get rid of the ten P-3C Orions of the RNLN but one of those aircraft was the only available transport for him! The Dutch MoD Henk Kamp was on a visit to Aruba when he was called back to The Netherlands on 23 March. The RNLAF Gulfstream VIP jet that brought him there was not available as its crew had to take the usual rest hours. Since the local AS355 helicopter of the RNLN was in maintenance it was decided to call an Orion back from an operational sortie is was flying over the Caribbean. The Orion was diverted to Aruba where MoD Kamp came onboard. He was flown to Hato AB at Curacao immediately, from where he took a KLM flight to Amsterdam.

Portugal considers P-3 future program

(06mar04) The Portuguese government still has to take a decision on the future of the Portuguese Air Force’s P-3 fleet. Two options are being considered: an extensive upgrade program of the existing fleet of six P-3P Orions (including wing and tail replacements along the lines of the New Zealand P-3K Kestrel Program) or the purchase of five Dutch P-3C Orions in a joint program with Germany.

Germany wants Dutch P-3s

(06mar04) On 31 October 2003 the German and Dutch State Secretaries of Defence signed a Letter of Intent for the sale of ten RNLN P-3C CUP Orions to Germany to replace the existing fleet of 16 ageing Breguet Br1150 Atlantics. In talkings with Portugal the German MoD Peter Struck proposed to buy a total number of 13 RNLN P-3Cs and to sell five of these aircraft to Portugal, leaving Germany with just eight. See also below.

Dutch parliament not convinced to retire P-3s

(06mar04) Retirement of the Dutch P-3 fleet is part of a major budget cut program of Dutch MoD Henk Kamp but the Dutch parliament has its doubts. Late 2003, the MoD was forced to investigate future options for the RNLN MARPAT Group, including the possibilities of forming a multinational MPA Force with other countries. The results of the MoD studies are qualified as “poor” by the two largest political parties in the Dutch parliament who called for a public hearing to be held by the end of March and a debate woth the MoD early April. At the moment of writing it is not known yet if the P-3s will be kept on strength in the RNLN or will be sold according to the plans of the Dutch MoD.

United States command changes

(06mar04) Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO (CPRW-2) was established at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on 15 October 2003. This will be the new command for all Hawaii-based P-3C Orions squadrons. Until October 2003 these squadrons reported direct to the Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Pacific Fleet, which moved to NAF Misawa in Japan and was renamed Director Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Pacific. CPRW-1 was split into Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Seventh Fleet (CPRF7F) and Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Fifth Fleet (CPRF5F).

United States P-3C fleet reductions

(06mar04) As a result of serious fatigue problems the USN is forced to reduce its P-3C Orion fleet from 227 to 150 aircraft. The remaining aircraft will most likely go through a structure improvement program. Another measure to avoid further fatigue problems is to change the deployment schedules. USN VP’s normally went on deployment for six months, followed by a training period od 12 months at their home base. This has been changed into six months deployments and 18 months training periods. The squadrons are available for “emergency deployments” during the last six months of their home base period.

Indian Navy still waiting for Orions

(06mar04) The Indian Navy still hopes to purchase a number of Orions. In September 2003 negotiations between the USA and India were held about the possible delivery of eight P-3C Orions plus an option for another ten aircraft. These will be ex-USN aircraft which will be refurbished by Lockheed Martin before delivery to India. No firm deals have been closed yet. Other sources say that India might get P-3B Orions from the desert boneyard instead of Charlies.

Spain rolls out first modernized P-3

(06mar04)The first P-3M Orion (serial number P.3-09) was rolled out by EADS-CASA in Spain on 19 June 2003. Following the Spanish governments decision of the end of 2002, a total number of five P-3B Orions will be modified to P-3M standard. The program includes the installation of the EADS-CASA Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), which makes the aircraft almost equal to the USN P-3C AIP variant.

Australia offers TAP-3 Orions for sale

(06mar04) The RAAF is to retire its three TAP-3 Orions. The aircraft were purchased six years ago for training and logistic support duties to relieve the P-3C fleet. The aircraft are offered for sale.

New Zealand milestone

(06mar04) In November 2003 P-3K #NZ4203 passed the milestone of 20,000 flight hours during a Task Group Troy mission in the Gulf region. Because of the major structural improvements of the P-3K fleet the end of the aircraft’s life time is still far away. It is expected that the P-3K Orions continue to fly for at least another 12 years.

Pakistan looks at P-3C upgrade options

(06mar04) The Pakistan government announce that it wishes to upgrade its two P-3C Orions, using money made available by the USA. It is not known yet which company will do the upgrades, when it will be done and what the upgrade program will look like.

South Korea budget limitations: P-3Bs might go elsewhere

(06mar04) The option for the purchase of eight P-3B Orions which were requested three years ago and approved by the US Congress in July 2002 has still not been changed into a firm order. Budget limitations blocked the planned purchase and upgrade of these aircraft but South Korea hopes to start the program this year. If not the aircraft reserved for Korea might go to the Indian Navy.

Portuguese Orion update reconsidered

(23feb03) Last year the Portuguese government could not effort to sign a contract for the update of the six aircraft large P-3P fleet. In January 2003 the Portuguese ministry of defence asked both Lockheed Martin and L3 Communications to write a proposal for the update project. Portugal reserved € 310 million for the program.

New Zealand Orion updates reconsidered

(23feb03) The New Zealand government plans to start a whole new competition for the update of equipment and sensors onboard of the six P-3K Orions. They have reserved an amount of NZ$ 300 million and the first updated aircraft should be fully operational between 2006 and 2008.

Aurora updates approved

(23feb03) Early 2003 the Canadian ministry of defence announced that the Aurora fleet will be updated for C$ 200 million. The modifications are focussing on the radar systems and will be carried out in four phases by McDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA). The first phase has a value of C$ 12 million.

Re-opening of P-3C production line?

(23feb03) A re-start of the P-3C production line at Marietta has been discussed several times before but it has not happened since 1995. If Italy an Germany decide to buy a total number of 26 Orions to replace their ageing Br1150 Atlantics Lockheed Martin will start to build Orions again. Taiwan and Korea will get the possibility to order brand new Orions as well then. Furthermore India is seeking for 10 aircraft. If a decision to start building Orions will be taken mid 2003 it will last until at least 2007 before the first new P-3 can be delivered. Lockheed Martin expects to sell as many as 50 Orions again.

“Chinese”EP-3E flies again

(23feb03) On 15 November 2002 EP-3E BuNo 156511 was taken into the air again. This is the aircraft which was forced to land in China on 1 April 2001. The aircraft was restored into flying condition by Lockheed Martin at Marietta. L3 is now responsible for an extensive systems repair and update program before it gets back to VQ-1.

RNZAF P-3s: 100,000 hrs mishap-free

(04dec02) The Royal New Zealand Air Force has celebrated an extraordinary milestone on 22 November 2002. No. 5 Squadrons P-3K Orions had clocked up 100,000 hours of flying time since their delivery to New Zealand. The Air Force acquired 5 Orions in 1966 with a 6th being delivered in 1985. 100,000 hours equates to flying continuously for 11 ½ years, covering a distance of 50 million km - that's 1,300 times around the earth or 100 times to the moon and back. In the process the Orions would have consumed approximately 250 million litres of fuel.

New colours for Japanese Orions

(04dec02) Gloss gull grey seems to become the international standard for P-3 Orions. After the RNZAF, USN and RNLN the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) has started to re-paint its P-3 fleet in a new scheme. As can be seen at the photo of P-3C-II½ 5035 the Japanese aircraft are losing their attractive coloured tail markings, while the national Japanese roundel appears to be a bit smaller now.

New colours for Dutch Orions

(21nov02) The RNLN fleet of P-3C-II½ Orions will be painted in a new colourscheme based on the current glossy gray USN scheme. The first aircraft to be painted in the new colours was #301 which arrived at RNLNAS Valkenburg on 8 November 2002. This aircraft was officially presented to the local and national press on 21 November 2002.

Surplus Dutch P-3Cs to Greece?

(27jul02) Several independent sources reported that the three RNLN P-3C-II½ Orions which will be withdrawn from use for budgetary reasons are or will be sold to Greece. We did not receive any formal confirmation about this deal yet.

Additional EP-3E aircraft

(27jul02) The USN's EP-3E fleet will be enlarged with four aircraft to sixteen. The first of four new aircraft (modified P-3C airframes) is expected in 2004. The rebuilding of two EP-3Es (a VQ-2 aircraft that crash landed in 1997 and the VQ-1 aircraft which made an emergency landing in China in 2001) is well under way. By the end of 2002 the ten aircraft currently in use will all have went through the Sensor System Improvement Program (SSIP).

South Korea: possible P-3B deal broached

(27jul02) The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible sale to South Korea of P-3B aircraft as well as associated equipment and services, said a statement from the agency. The South Korean navy intends to use the P-3B aircraft to patrol its exclusive economic zone and conduct anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and search and rescue operations. If Congress approves the deal, it could be worth as much as $66 million.

It has been reported that this possible deal includes nine P-3B airframes of which eight will be upgraded with new wings and mission systems. The nineth aircraft is meant as a source for spare parts. The P-3Bs will augment the eight P-3C-III+ of the RoKN's Air Group 61.

New production P-3 wings

(27jul02) Lockheed Martin has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Vought Aircraft Industries to manufacture wings for the P-3 Orion. The average age of the worldwide P-3 fleet is approaching 25 years. With new wings, the service life of the more than 450 aircraft being flown by 16 countries could be extended an additional 25 years. Vought has already begun to set up a production line. The tooling needed to build P-3 wings consists of more than 5.500 separate tools, ranging from 10-pound drill guides to three-ton jigs. The tooling will be set up, cleaned and prepared for use over the next few months. Vought estimates that new production wings could be available as early as 2004. The concept of re-winging is not new to the P-3. In 1993, Lockheed Martin began working with the Royal New Zealand Air Force on a cost-effective approach for extending the service life of its six P-3 Orions. The program, called Project Kestrel, proved that re-winging the P-3, combined with other selected structural modifications, is a low-risk and cost-effective way to extend the life of the Orion. Portugal has already expressed its interest in a re-winging project for the P-3P.

P-3C Orion offered to Germany and Italy

(27jul02) Lockheed Martin will propose a newly manufactured P-3C for the joint Germany and Italy Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement, MPA-R,  program in the company's bid that will be submitted tomorrow, Friday, July 26. The Germany/Italy MPA-R calls for 10 aircraft for Germany and 14 for Italy and has an estimated value of more than $3 billion. The new P-3C aircraft Lockheed Martin is proposing will have several reliability and maintainability improvements including new corrosion resistant materials in the wings and performance enhancements to the T56-14 engine. The mission system will combine elements of the Avionics Improvement Program, AIP, and the Block Modification Upgrade Program, BMUP, configurations developed by Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems in Eagan,  Minn. Final assembly for the new P-3Cs would be planned for Lockheed Martin's Marietta, GA., USA facility.

P-3C Service Life Assessment Program (SLAP)

(27jul02) The U.S. Navy (USN) and its three international partners, Canadian Forces (CF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) have identified a need to conduct a series of programs to assess and extend the P-3C operational service life. The P-3C SLAP is a program tailored to evaluate, through full scale fatigue testing, the fatigue life and damage tolerance characteristics of the P-3C airframe, and to design and validate structural modifications required to attain a year 2015 service life goal.

The full-scale fatigue test involves a former USN P-3C (BuNo 156508) that was delivered back to Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Ga., on 9 June 1999. This airframe, originally delivered to the USN in June 1969, logged almost 11,000 flight hours and more then 16,500 landings. During its operational service period it went through the Sustained Readiness Program (SRP) in which several airframe structural items had been removed and replaced.

During the SLAP full-scale fatigue test the number of flight hours will be simulated up to 38,000, while the number of flights will be more then 11,000. Total landings will pass 59,700. In August 1999 the test article was delivered to Lockheed Martin’s test lab where 22,000 lbs of equipment was removed. The empennage test article was moved into the test frame in the fall of 2000 and the fatigue test cycling for this part of the aircraft started in April 2001. The wing and fuselage test article moved to the test site in July 2000 and the test cycling started in October 2001. In addition to the P-3C airframe, two P-3Bs (152739 and 153453) are involved in the SLAP. These two airframes are used for validation and verification of Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) parts designed during the SLAP. Lockheed Martin expects to complete the SLAP full-scale fatigue test in December 2002.

Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract to Upgrade Four US Customs Aircraft

(23jul02) Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT], was awarded a $27 million contract on June 13 to upgrade U.S. Customs Service (USCS) P-3B Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft numbers #1 through #4. Once upgraded, these AEW aircraft will have extensive commonality with the USCS P-3 “Slick” Interceptor aircraft, enhancing the ability USCS aircrews to safely and effectively fly both aircraft interchangeably.

“We continue to be the supplier of choice for the USCS P-3's and a key provider of services and upgrades to the US Navy P-3 fleet as well as numerous International P-3 operators,” said John Norris, Lockheed Martin’s USCS program manager. ”We’re also pursuing new production opportunities for the Orion and are competing for the US Navy's Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft program. We’ve been in the P-3 business for forty years and will be in it until the last plane retires."

The airplane and mission systems configuration will be modified to a configuration that duplicates that of AEW #7 upgraded in 2001 by Lockheed Martin. Some of the changes include a new common glass cockpit featuring a new flight management system, dual-channel digital autopilot, digital engine instruments, tactical display, updated mission system and upgraded radar. A common communications and navigation system update will also be added. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company will serve as the prime contractor with Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Centers in Greenville, S.C. performing all modification work. Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems, Eagan, Minn., and Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems, Syracuse, N.Y., are providing the mission avionics suite and the APS-145 radar for the upgrade, under existing contracts with the USCS. Modification work is scheduled to begin in July 2002 and is expected to be completed by September 2003.

Lockheed Martin delivers MMA proposal

(23jul02) Early last May, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT], has proposed a fully modernized, new production aircraft for Phase I of the U.S. Navy’s Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) Component Advanced Development (CAD) program. This proposal is the first step towards replacing the U.S. Navy’s existing fleet of P-3C and EP-3E aircraft. The CAD Phase I contract award is expected to be awarded by early June.

"Our MMA solution leverages the P-3’s proven capabilities in a modernized, new-production aircraft with a state-of-the–art mission system that’s fully transformational as new technologies evolve,” said Lockheed Martin CAD Program Manager, Ray Burick. “We’ll use our experience with $35 billion of US Government investment in programs like JSF, F-22, F-16, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and others, to deliver an aircraft that’s affordable and fully missionized.”

The MMA CAD Industry Phase I is a six-month effort that will result in the Navy choosing 2-3 preferred concepts to be carried forward into CAD Phase II. These concepts will then be further refined and will form the basis of competitive proposals for a single contract award for MMA System Development and Demonstration (SDD), expected in early 2004.

Lockheed Martin’s MMA CAD trade study baseline concept (TSBC) is a modern weapon system consisting of three primary elements: a new-production, armed maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft derived from the proven P-3 Orion; a state-of-art mission system that meets all MMA mission requirements today and has inherent capability to evolve, via spiral development to meet future mission demands; and an integrated support system providing high availability at significantly reduced operation and support (O&S) costs.

First RNLN Orion for CUP modification to LM Greenville

(16jul02) On 6 July 2002 the first RNLN P-3C-II½ Orion (#312) to be modified under the "Capability Upkeep Program" (CUP) left Valkenburg. The aircraft first went to NAS Patuxent River for a ground test program and from there it went on to the Lockheed Martin facility at Greenville SC. The CUP for this first aircraft is planned for completion early December 2003, after which the Orion will return to Pax River for an intensive test program. #312 is expected to return to its home base in March 2004, 510 days after its departure. Most likely aircraft #300 will be the second CUP aircraft and it will depart for the program in September 2003 for a 242 days long modification program. The third and fourth aircraft will be modified in 225 days and the remaining aircraft will be done in 175 days. This means the CUP for the entire fleet of ten Orions will be completed in the first or second quarter of 2006. The CUP is basically similar to the combination of the USN BMUP and AIP programs.

RNLN Orions and Canadian Auroras work together in Enduring Freedom

(16jul02) As a part of the Dutch contribution to Operation "Enduring Freedom" P-3C-II½ Orion aircraft #300 departed from Valkenburg to Fuijairah in the United Arab Emirates for a deployment in support of the operation on 28 June 2002. The Orion is to monitor ship traffic but can also be used to conduct reconnaissance missions both over sea and land. Canada has two CP-140 Auroras operating from the same site to support the operations against terrorism.

New designators for USN test units

(16Jul02) As of 1 May 2002 the Naval Air Systems Command has redesignated five test squadrons in the US Navy. Two Orion-operating units were involved: the NFATS of the NAWD-AD at NAS Patuxent River has been redesignated VX-20 and the NWTS of the NAWC-WD at NAS Point Mugu is now called VX-30.

38 years long accident free period for VP-46

(16jul02) Early 2002 VP-46 celebrated a 38 year long accident free period in which 267,000 flying hours were logged. VP-26 homebased in Brunswick, ME is the record holding P-3 squadron.  They have achieved 39 years and over 284,000 hours of mishap free flying.  If they can continue their safety record, they will surpass 40 years next month, in August 2002.

Deployment news

(16jul02)

• In May 2002 VP-47 departed from MCAS Kaneohe Bay for a six months long deployment to NAF Misawa in Japan.
• The usual Atlantic Fleet deployment to Sigonella has changed into a split-deployment to Souda Bay (Krete, Greece) and Sigonella (Sicily, Italy). VP-10 was the first unit doing this.

Industry News

(16jul02)

• Early 2002 the USN and Boeing signed a contract for the installation of 29 P-3C Communication Improvement Program (CIP) "A" kits. These modification are being performed at NAS Jacksonville and are planned for completion in July 2003.
• On 10 May 2002 Lockheed reported that the 50^th AIP Orion was deliovered to the US Navy.

South Korea wants another P-3 squadron

(18nov01) Flight International reported that South Korea has released a request for proposals for the delivery of an additional eight P-3 Orions. These will probably be refurbished P-3A or P-3B airframes, upgraded with P-3C-III+ systems.

Turkey looks for a new long range MPA

(18nov01) The Turkish navy is currently looking for a small number of P-3 Orions. The three aircraft to be disestablished in The Netherlands are possible candidates.

Mexican P-3B Orions

(18nov01) According to a well informed source from Mexico the Mexican navy received and accepted an offer from the US government to buy three P-3B Orions and two spare airframes. The Orions are believed to be delivered by the end of 2002.

(12aug01) Mexico might become one of the next P-3 operators since the US Government considers to deliver a single P-3A or P-3B Orion. The Mexican P-3 is to be operated in counter drugs operations and will most likely be upgraded with equipment similar to the USN P-3C CDU or USCS P-3A Slick.

Orions for Taiwan

(18nov01) With reference to an earlier message saying that the P-3C Orion production line will be re-opened I received the following statement from Lockheed Martin:

"The Bush administration approved the release of the P-3 Orion aircraft to Taiwan in April 2001. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company has been working closely with the US Navy and the Taiwan Navy to define the program requirements and determine how to best pursue the opportunity. LM Aero will continue to support the US Navy and the Taiwan Navy to meet Taiwan's long-standing maritime patrol requirements, but at this time, there has been no specific agreement made."

The following article comes from the Taipei Times:

".... Taiwan's navy plans to buy four long-range early-warning aircraft from the US to protect the Kidd-class destroyers, according to a defense source. The aircraft are Lockheed P-3 Airborne Early Warning and Control, now serving in the US coast guard, the source said. The US has agreed in principle to sell two P-3s, but Taiwan's navy insists on buying four of the planes to build up its airborne early-warning capabilities. However, since the P-3 is no longer in production, it is unclear who would supply the airframes... (Taipei Times, Oct. 20)

P-3 Orion Research Group comments: the US Coast Guard does not operate any P-3AEW&C aircraft. The US Customs does they will not make any aircraft available for Taiwan as they are building up their own fleet of aircraft right now. The above mentioned article is at least very speculative...

No Orions for Venezuela

(12aug01) Venezuela has often been mentioned as a future P-3 operator but the most recent news is that the USA are going to deliver a number of surplus S-3A Vikings from AMARC at Davis Monthan AFB. Several Vikings are reported to be selected for Venezuela.

Aurora acoustics update

(19mar01) The Honourable Art Eggleton, Minister of National Defence, announced a $58.6M contract award for the replacement of the acoustics system for the CP-140 Aurora aircraft and the analysis systems located in the four ground stations in British Columbia and Nova Scotia. The contract was awarded to Computing Devices Canada Ltd. located in Ottawa, Ontario. About 45 to 80 jobs will be created during the life of the project which is expected to be completed in 2004. The replacements will ensure the Canadian Forces have a modern acoustic processing system which is interoperable with our allied forces as they convert to similar capabilities. The project is a part of the Aurora Incremental Modernization (AIM) Project designed to remedy operational deficiencies.

Brazilian P-3 Orions

(19mar01) Embraer engage dispute for FAB´s Orion modernization Companies such as American Lockheed-Martin and Raytheon, French Thales (ex-Thomson, nowadays an Embraer partner) and now Embraer are engaged in a dispute for a contract with FAB (Brazilian Air Force) for board system modernization of 12 used P-3A Orion recently bought. The planes should be completely inspected, remodeled and their systems be updated to the P-3BR configuration. The FAB is to establish two P-3BR Orion squadrons which both should be fully operational in 2005.

Norwegian tail markings

(18mar01) Norway´s 333 squadron has started to paint new tail markings on their P-3 Orion aircraft. At the moment only two aircraft (3297 and 3299) have received "The Saint" markings. The squadron´s remaining Orions will get the markings after they went through heavy maintenance. Recently it was decided that 333 squadron will stay at its current home base Andøya and will not move to Bodø.

New Zealand continues P-3K operations

(18mar01) New Zealand government announced that it will spend more money on maritime surveillance that includes the P-3 Orions. The government earlier cancelled an upgrade of the Orions' avionics and electronic warfare equipment, including their submarine-hunting electronics -- known as Project Sirius. While the project will not be resurrected there's certainly a future for the Orions. It was indicated they would be involved in resource protection and search and rescue however further work would be needed on what to do with the Orions.

New Zealand's submarine hunters have rubbished claims by the Prime Minister that their Orion aircraft have not managed to find a single target in 35 years. Former Orion crew members have told the Herald that they frequently did find submarines - and have pointed to one well-documented discovery of a Soviet submarine in 1982. Helen Clark made her comments last Wednesday to justify the Government's decision not to spend $568 million upgrading the planes' antiquated radar. "We would be most unlikely to spend on the antisubmarine warfare capability," she said. "We were being asked to spend more than half a billion dollars to spot vessels which aren't there and haven't been found to be there in the entire time we've been trying to spot them."

Argentinian tail markings

(18mar01) The Armada Argentina has started to apply colourful squadron markings on the tails of its P-3B Orions. Argentina is currently operating six P-3B aircraft which are painted in a colour scheme very similar to that of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Canadian budget cuts

(18mar01) Dramatic budget cuts in the Canadian air force will also affect the Aurora / Arcturus fleet. Five of the 21 aircraft will be mothballed and the number of hours spent in the air will be brought back from 19,000 to 8,000.

Japanese fleet updates

(18mar01) The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force took delivery of its first OP-3C Orion on 23 February 2001. The aircraft, a modified P-3C (#5043) was assigned to 51 kokutai (VX-51) at Atsugi AB for a one-year long flight test program before it will be transferred to 81 kokutai (VQ-81) at Iwakuni AB. A total of six OP-3C Orions will come into service with VQ-81 alongside the squadron´s EP-3 aircraft. The OP-3C is believed to have capabilities similar to those of the specially equipped Orions of USN VPU-1 and VPU-2. On 5 March 2001, 81 Kokutai was split into two seperate squadrons: 81 kokutai (VQ-81), which will operate both the EP-3 and the OP-3C Orion, and 91 kokutai (VC-91), which started to operate the three UP-3D Orions. At the same date 8 kokutai (VP-8) was decommissioned.

USN Forward Operation Locations

The US Navy has started to use some new Forward Operation Locations for P-3C counter drug operations. The new FOL´s are Comalapa AB in El Salvador, Manta AB in Equador and Aruba and Curacao on the Dutch Antilles. Operations from the FOL´s are conducted by the duty patrol squadron which is deployed to NS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Usually the squadron is augmented by some aircraft and crews from reserve patrol squadrons.

US Customs colour scheme

(18mar01) The US Customs Service, operator of a fleet of P-3A "Slick" and P-3AEW&C "Dome" Orions, has started to re-paint its aircraft in a new colour scheme. All new and current aircraft will be painted in the new glossy white scheme. The photos below show a "Slick" and a "Dome" in the new livery.

Spanish P-3 Update

(18mar01) The Spanish Government signed a contract for the update programme which enhances the capabilities of 221 Escuadrón´s five P-3B Orions. Delivery of the first aircraft is planned for September 2003. The first aircraft will be modified by the Spanish air force while the remaining four aircraft will be modified by EADS/CASA at Getafe AB in Spain.

New colours for US Navy P-3C Orion fleet

(15nov00) A new gloss paint scheme is due to become the standard for all the USN P-3C Orions. The current TPS (Tactical paint Scheme) gray is a big maintenance time consumer and because of the difficulty in maintaining the paint film, contributes to corrosion problems. The "new" gray paint is the same colour as the "old" gray (known from the white over gray paintscheme as used on P-3s before changing to the TPS). For the EP-3E ARIES II aircraft it had been decided to re-paint them in the pre-TPS "white over gray" scheme!

P-3 Orion replacement studies

(18mar01) Now that almost every P-3 Orion operator is working out an improvement program to enhance the servive life time of their Orions, the USN and JMSDF are seriously looking at the era after the Orion. The USN looked into the possibility of funding a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)-which would cost $25 - 35 million per aircraft-was planned to start in Fiscal Year 2002. If SLEP will not be funded it is expected that up to 40 P-3C Orions will be phased out in 2006. At latest word, however, the Navy was leaning toward going straight to a new or remanufactured aircraft.

For the future replacement of 251 P-3C and EP-3E airframes the USN has initiated the "Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft" program or MMA. Contenders are Boeing with a variant of the 737-700, Lockheed Martin with "Orion 21" (based on newly built airframes or second hand P-3C´s), Raytheon with the P-3 "Procyon" (based on second hand P-3 airframes), and Northrop Grumman, which has proposed a combination of a patrol aircraft and a long-range UAV. Japan is watching the MMA program with great interest as it has a potential need for 80 future Orion replacements. The industry counts on additional orders from Italy and Germany as they might look into MMA as a possible replacement for their ageing Br1150 Atlantics.

Raytheon´s P-3 "Procyon"

(28jul00) Raytheon is marketing it´s P-3 "Procyon", based on second hand P-3 airframes, and hopes to sell as many as 50 aircraft to Italy, Germany and South Korea. The latter has a requirement for eight additional P-3 Orions to establish a second Orion-squadron. "Procyon" will be based on former USN P-3 airframes currently stored in the Arizona desert and will feature the installation of brand new wings and vertical stabilizers, a "glass" cockpit, new engines with six-bladed props and new mission systems.

Impressive transport of P-3 fuselage

(23mar00) In September 1997 one of VQ-2´s EP-3E ARIES II aircraft crash landed off the runway at Souda Bay, Crete. The aircraft was probably a write-off but due to the very sophisticated and expensive mission equipment it was decided to recover the entire fuselage and bring it to Waco (TX) in the United States. Here it will either be rebuild into flying condition or its equipment will be donated to another P-3C airframe. To my knowledge it has been the first time ever for a P-3 fuselage to be transported onboard of a C-5B Galaxy cargo plane. This must have happend around October/November 1997...not really "news" but interesting enough for this news section.

© P-3 Orion Research Group / 1997 - 2010