[PS] P-8 Poseidon assembly by Abinyah Walker

Boeing began final assembly of its second P-8A Poseidon for the U.S. Navy.  The Poseidon is a replacement for the P-3C Orion a maritime patrol aircraft used for maritime patrol, reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.  The P-8 built to conduct anti-submarine warfare, shipping interdiction, and electronic intelligence will carry torpedoes, depth charges, Harpoon anti-submarine missiles as well as other missiles.  It will also be integrated with unmanned aerial vehicles and monitored sonobuoys.

Converted from a Boeings 737-800 and modified by Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems division, the P-8A has a slightly larger airframe with raked wingtips and 6 integrated fuel tanks for extended range.

The P-8A is undergoing airframe validation testing to see if it can withstand extended load during its service life.  Five test aricraft are being built, three flight-testers and two ground-testers, as part of the System Development and Demonstration contract.  This new weapon system is expected to enter service in 2010.