Troubled P-8A Poseidon enters full production

The Navy's P-8A Poseidon has entered full-rate production, despite the Pentagon discovering major problems with the aircraft.

Naval Air Systems Command announced that the P-8A had received the go-ahead from the FRP Production Milestone Decision Authority on January 3. The Navy is scheduled to receive 117 Poseidons. This includes 37 low-rate initial production aircraft, of which 13 have already been delivered. The P-8A will replace the venerable P-3C.

The current Increment 1 of the P-8A is equipped with persistent anti-warfare capabilities, an integrated sensor suite and improved situational awareness. The next program milestone is Increment 2, slated for 2016, will include multi-static active coherent acoustics, automated identification system, and high-altitude anti-submarine weapons, according to a NAVAIR news release.

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