Norway's first Poseidon takes shape

The first fuselage of a P-8A destined for Norway arrived today at Boeing in Renton, Washington. The delivery from Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas, marks an important milestone in the production of the five Poseidons ordered for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
The P-8A is an aircraft designed for the purpose of submarine hunting. It is based on the proven Boeing 737 NG. After the fuselage is built at Spirit, it is first fitted with additional cabling and systems required for the operation of the military components at Boeing's civilian production facility. The aircraft is then transferred to Boeing Defence, Space & Security, where the military equipment is installed. This is also where the finished weapon system is tested and delivered to the customer. Large parts of the civilian production that has existed for decades are therefore utilised to construct a reliable product and deliver it on time.

The basic systems are now being installed at Boeing in Renton

The first P-8A is to be handed over to Norway before the end of this year. The five aircraft of this type ordered will replace the six obsolete P-3 Orions and three DA-20 Jet Falcons. As a result, the northern European country will once again have modern capabilities for situational awareness on and under the sea and for combating submarines. To date, Boeing has delivered 104 P-8s. In addition to the main customer, the US Navy, deliveries have also been made to armed forces in Australia, India and the United Kingdom.

Text: mb; Photo: Boeing