With the recent handover flights from the commercial factory to Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) in Seattle, the P-8A Poseidon next-generation maritime patroller for the U.S. Navy remains “firmly on track,” according to Tony Parasida, vice president and general manager of Boeing IDS’s ASW & ISR Systems division. “The fact that we are on track is a great credit not only to Boeing, but also to the Navy and the way they are running this program,” he added.
Currently the P-8 is in the system development and demonstration (SDD) phase, for which Boeing is building five airframes. After completing load-calibration testing two weeks ahead of time, the first flying aircraft (T1) left the commercial 737 production line at Renton on April 25 for a delivery flight to the P-8 facility at Boeing Field. After installation of more systems, T1 will return to the air in August to begin airworthiness tests. This formal “first flight” marks the start of the dedicated P-8 air-test process.
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