P 8A Poseidon Aircraft

Full Specifications

Boeing P 8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft

The P 8A Poseidon is the backbone of modern U.S. Navy maritime patrol and anti submarine warfare. Designed to hunt submarines, track surface threats, and support joint forces, the aircraft replaces the aging P 3C Orion with a faster, longer range, and sensor rich platform. Built on a proven commercial airframe, the P 8A combines jet speed with advanced military systems, allowing rapid response across vast ocean areas.

Manufacturer

The aircraft is manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space and Security in the United States. It is based on the Boeing 737 800 airframe with military structural changes, reinforced wings, and mission specific systems tailored for sustained low altitude maritime operations.

Speed and Range

Powered by two CFM56 turbofan engines, the P 8A cruises at high subsonic speed, enabling quicker transit to patrol areas compared to turboprop predecessors. It has a maximum speed of roughly Mach zero point seven eight and a combat radius of about twelve hundred nautical miles with on station endurance exceeding four hours. Its ferry range extends beyond seven thousand nautical miles.

Cost and Price

The estimated unit cost of a P 8A Poseidon is around 210 to 220 million U.S. dollars depending on configuration, sensors, and support packages. Operating costs are higher than turboprop patrol aircraft but are offset by improved availability and mission flexibility.

Capabilities and Operations

The P 8A carries torpedoes, anti ship missiles, naval mines, and sonobuoys. Its AN APY 10 AESA radar, acoustic processing suite, and networked datalinks support integrated maritime domain awareness. The aircraft is in service with the U.S. Navy and allied forces, conducting routine patrols, freedom of navigation support, and real world submarine tracking missions.