The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly Multimission Maritime Aircraft) is a military aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800ERX.
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P-8 Poseidon is basically a maritime patrol aircraft and was introduced in November 2013. The P-8 is being operated in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction roles. It is armed with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons, and is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys. The P-8 is a militarized version of the 737-800ERX, a 737-800 with 737-900-based wings. The P-8 has a strengthened fuselage for low-altitude operations and raked wingtips similar to those fitted to the Boeing 767-400ER, instead of the blended winglets available on 737NG variants. In order to power additional onboard electronics, the P-8 has a 180kVA electric generator on each engine, replacing the 90kVA generator of civilian 737s; this required the redesigning of the nacelles and their wing mountings.None of the crew stations have windows; a single observer window is located on each side of the forward cabin. A short bomb bay for torpedoes and other stores opens behind the wing. The P-8 is to be equipped with the High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) Air Launch Accessory (ALA), turning a Mark 54 torpedo into a glide bomb for deploying from up to 30,000 ft (9,100 m). The P-8 features the Raytheon APY-10 multi-mission surface search radar and India's P-8I is equipped with a Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) per the contract request.
Poseidon and Indian Navy
In January 2008, Boeing proposed the P-8I, a customized export variant of the P-8A, for the Indian Navy. It features two major components not fitted on the P-8A, a Telephonics APS-143 OceanEye aft radar and a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD). Currently Indian Navy is operating eight P-8I aircrafts for its maritime operations. The Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Data Link II communications allows the P-8I to exchange tactical data between Indian Navy aircraft, ships and shore establishments. India received its first P-8I on May 2013. Fitted with AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles and Mk 54 All-Up-Round Lightweight torpedoes, these are armed to react. The P-8I aircraft has achieved a number of operational milestones which includes participation in the search effort for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH 370, the first successful firing of air launched Harpoon Block II missile in the world, torpedo firing and active participation in major naval exercises. With a maximum speed of 907 kmph and an operating range of over 1,200 nautical miles, "with four hours on station", the P-8Is will be able to detect "threats" and neutralize them if required. It is based at INS Rajali, Naval Air station, Arakkonam, Tamilnadu.
General Characteristics
Propulsion:Two CFM56-7 engines providing 27,300 pounds thrust each
Length:39.47 meters
Wing Span:37.64 meters
Height:12.83 meters
Maximum Takeoff Gross Weight:85,139 kilograms
Speed:490 knots (789 km/h)
Range:1,200+ nautical miles, with 4 hours on station (2,222 kilometers)
Ceiling:12,496 meters
Crew:9
Images : Boeing
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