P 8 Poseidon Aircraft

Full Specifications

Boeing P 8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft

The P 8 Poseidon is the United States Navy’s primary maritime patrol and anti submarine warfare aircraft. Built to replace the aging P 3C Orion fleet, it combines jet speed, long endurance, and advanced sensors to track submarines, surface ships, and maritime threats across vast ocean areas. The aircraft plays a central role in U.S. naval operations, particularly in the Indo Pacific and Atlantic regions.

Manufacturer

The P 8 Poseidon is manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space and Security. It is based on the Boeing 737 800 airframe, modified with military grade sensors, reinforced structures, and a weapons bay for maritime combat missions.

Speed and Range

Powered by twin CFM56 turbofan engines, the P 8 can reach speeds of about 490 knots. It has a mission range exceeding 1,200 nautical miles with four hours on station, allowing wide area patrols without forward basing. Its high transit speed is a major advantage over turboprop patrol aircraft.

Cost and Price

The unit cost of a P 8 Poseidon is estimated at around USD 220 million, depending on configuration and support packages. Lifecycle costs are offset by shared logistics with commercial 737 fleets and high mission availability rates.

Operational Role and Capabilities

The P 8 is optimized for anti submarine warfare, anti surface warfare, intelligence gathering, and search and rescue. It carries torpedoes, anti ship missiles, and depth charges. Advanced avionics include the AN APY 10 radar, electro optical sensors, acoustic processing systems, and secure data links for joint operations.