During RAAF transition to the P-8A Poseidon, the AP-3C Orion aircraft will continue to operate with 292 Squadron and 10 Squadron
Taken on Nov. 25, 2016 the gorgeous photos in this post show a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon flying in formation over Adelaide with a PBY-6A Catalina and P2H Neptune from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society.
On that day in fact past and present members of 11 Squadron not only have commemorated the “End of an Era”, signifying the conclusion of 48 years of Orion operations at 11 Squadron, but also celebrated the arrival of the first P-8A Poseidon at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
Like the AP-3C Orions preceding them, the P-8A Poseidon’s will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
The P-8A Poseidon uses advanced sensors and mission systems, including an advanced multi-role radar, high definition cameras, and an acoustic system with four times the processing capacity of RAAF’s current AP-3C Orions.
The first aircraft arrived in Canberra on Nov. 16 2016, with the remaining 11 aircraft to be delivered by March 2020. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the first eight P-8A’s is scheduled for the period 2017 – 2020.
The P-8A is a fundamental element of Australia’s future maritime patrol and response strategy. Together with the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), the P-8A aircraft will replace the AP-3C Orions which are due for withdrawal in 2018-19.
However, during RAAF transition to the P-8A Poseidon, the AP-3C Orion aircraft will continue to operate with 292 Squadron and 10 Squadron.
Photo credit: Royal Australian Air Force
