FeaturesPerforming ant-submarine warfare and maritime patrol tasks, the Lockheed P-3 Orion has served the US Navy (USN) and other armed forces around the world for nearly 50 years. Obviously it’s well overdue for replacement, and its successor is to be the Boeing P-8 Poseidon after a contract was awarded in 2004. The P-8A is based on the Boeing 737-800 airframe, and its maiden flight took place on 25 April 2009. The new aircraft should reach initial operating capability (IOC) in the USN in 2013. The Poseidon carries torpedoes, depth charges, sonobuoys and anti-ship missiles. The USN requires at least 117 aircraft, plus India has already ordered a dozen P-8I aircraft too. Dragon Warbirds now has a fine 1/400 scale model of a USN P-8A Poseidon for sale. This is a brand new tooling because it’s no ordinary Boeing 737-800. In fact the original militarized aircraft uses 737-900 wings with raked wingtips, plus it has a strengthened fuselage containing few windows. In addition to the retooled fuselage and wings, the tail wings are also new! The P-8A Poseidon is a multi-mission aircraft that will serve the USN for many years to come, and modelers can add it to their collection well before it enters full operational service!
