Lockheed Martin discusses P-3 enhancements

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Vice President of Special Mission and Reconnaissance Aircraft Programmes Ted Samples, talking to reporters at Farnborough said that more than 450 P-3s are in active service with the US Navy and 15 international operators. Samples briefed international reporters on the P-3 Orion and how it has played a significant role in maritime patrol in the past and is ready to meet future requirements.

While discussing the five Lockheed Martin companies dedicated to the support of the P-3 world-wide, Samples announced that a new teaming arrangement with Vought Industries to manufacture new wings for the P-3 will provide P-3 operators around the world with a proven, low-risk means of extending the life of their Orion fleets.

"The P-3's most critical assembly is the wing, and the manufacturing processes and facilities at Vought Aircraft Industries will provide the world's P-3 operators with economic wing replacement alternatives," Samples said. "We are excited about the future of the proven and versatile P-3 Orion. Ongoing product improvements, combined with Lockheed Martin's vast experience as the US Navy's premier designer, developer and integrator of maritime patrol systems, will continue to be applied to our P-3 customers' needs."

The average age of the world-wide P-3 fleet is approaching 25 years. With new wings, the service life of the more than 450 aircraft being flown by 16 countries could be extended an additional 25 years. "We're bringing Lockheed Martin's expertise in maritime patrol and Vought's manufacturing expertise together to further support the world-wide Orion fleet and enable operating navies a cost-effective solution for maintaining their maritime patrol capability," said Tom Wetherall, director of P-3/S-3 programmes for LM Aeronautics.

The concept of re-winging is not new to the P-3. In 1993, Lockheed Martin began working with the Royal New Zealand Air Force on a cost-effective approach for extending the service life of its six P-3 Orions. The program, called Project Kestrel, proved that re-winging the P-3, combined with other selected structural modifications, is a low-risk and cost-effective way to extend the life of the Orion.

Samples discussed P-3 business opportunities Lockheed Martin is currently pursuing to include the US Navy's Maritime Multimission Aircraft programme designed to replace the Navy's ageing P-3 fleet. Lockheed Martin submitted its proposal in May 2002 and will offer a fully modernised new production P-3.

Another business pursuit Samples discussed is the joint Germany and Italy Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement (MPA-R) program. The program, which calls for 10 aircraft for Germany and 14 for Italy , has an estimated value of more than $3 billion. Lockheed Martin will submit its proposal tomorrow (July 26) and again will be offering a new production P-3.

In the face of new business opportunities, Samples acknowledged the possibility of restarting the P-3 assembly line. With the last eight new production P-3C airplanes delivered from the company's Marietta, Ga., USA, facility, Samples said, Marietta would appear to be the most cost-effective site should the line restart.

Samples ended his presentation by reminding his audience that the P-3 remains the world standard in maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft and will be in service with the US Navy and its international operators well into the 21st century. "The P-3 is a significant force-multiplier due to its multimission capabilities and has a strong support infrastructure, giving it a well-defined path for future enhancements," Samples said.

REF XQQAS XQQSA XQQAR