US-based defence giant Boeing and several Canadian industry partners announced at the start of June of their intent to collaborate to provide the P-8A Poseidon platform for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) requirement.
In a June 1 release, Boeing stated that Team Poseidon, consisting of CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace & Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada and Raytheon Canada, formed the cornerstone of a Canadian P-8 industrial footprint.
Nearly 150 Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) have been delivered to five countries to date, with a Canadian selection of the platform ensuring interoperability with NORAD and NATO allies, according to Boeing.
Capable of undertaking anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations, the P-8 is also able to operate on a 50% blend of sustainable aviation fuel, with aspirations to move toward 100% in the years ahead.
Global air forces are increasingly aware of their environmental impact, with a number taking steps to reduce carbon emissions.
Current Boeing P-8 customers include the US Navy, Indian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Republic of Korea Navy and Germany Navy.
Built on the 737 Next-Generation airframe, the P-8 platform has 86% commonality with more than 4,000 in-service 737NG, which will reduce life-cycle sustainment costs due to large economies of scale.
