NEW DEVELOPMENTS

This P-3 Status Report compiled by David Readeis based on multiple inteniews and conversationswith the US Novy'sFMS Office, USN SquodronVAQ-33, COMPATWING's ATLANTIC andPACIFIC, N1S Jacksonville NADEP,TRACOR Applied Sciences (Air Systems Dept),USN VP-30, Lockheed's International Program-mes Office (fOSC Conference), Boeing Defenseond Spoce Group, IMP (Holifox), US CustomsService, US Forest Service, Aero (Jnion,Blackhills Aviation, Howkins and Powers Avio-tion, NASA, and Internotionol Orion Operators:Australia (RAAF), Spoin, Jopan (MSO-JMSDF), Conodian Armed Forces, Norway(RNoAF) and the Netherlands. Additionatdocuments provided by most of these sourceswere also utilized. - The Editor

Thirty years ago, Lockheed,s Bur-bank facility rolled out what wouldlater become the premier ASW ,,Sub-

Hunting" Maritime Patrol aircraft: theP-3 Orion! Though production of theOrion at Burbank was halted in early1997, this action has not diminishedthe amount of activity surrounding theP-3, nor its future.

Immediately following the end ofproduction, the follow-on, next-generation Maritime Patrol aircraftwas to have been developed. The P-7ALRAACA (Long-Range Air Anti-Submarine Capable Aircraft) wasderived from the P-3 Orion. Thesomewhat larger aircraft was to in-clude increased sonobuoy and harpooncapacity; next-generation turboprop(6000 HP) engines with six-bladed,composite props and new defensivechaff-flare dispenser pods. Avionicswould have encompassed the Boeingupdate IV package with new ESM,radar, navigation and the Collins

"EFIS" (Electronic Flight Instrumen-tation System) "Glass Cockpit".

The P-7A design allowed formore weapons, greater range andlonger on-station loitering, while usingless fuel than current P-3's. Manycountries (Australia, Japan, Englandand Germany) were interested in co-

PAGE 62

Worldwide P-3 Status ReportBy David Reade

developing the aircraft in exchange forobtaining production models. Ger-many hoped to get twelye of the ad-vanced airframes, but developmentproblems arose, and the p-7A wascancelled by the US Navy.

Both Lockheed and the Navybegan to study the continuation of anadvanced Orion, after the announce-ment that Lockheed would resumeproduction of the P-3 for the Republicof Korea. Later designated ,,p-3C

Orion II", the new Orion would be anextension of the Korean productionbase-line airframe, with Orion II im-provements incorporated intoproduction.

The Orion II included most of theplanned features scheduled for theP-7A such as advanced turbopropengines with six-bladed, composite

props, the Boeing Update IV packagewith improved MAD, new ESM andOTHT (Over the Horizon Target)systems. The aircraft will be laid outwith the side-by-side sensor stations(like the old Alphas and Bravos) anda 3-2 adjustable cockpit. With 24 dit-ching stations, later provisions for the"EFIS" Glass Cockpit and an in-flightrefuelling probe are planned.

Both the US Navy and Lockheedhave made it clear that Orion II wouldonly be available with the Update IVpackage.

Update Mvionics UpgradeProgramme

The first functional flight test ofthe Update IV Avionics Upgrade pro-gramme, developed by Boeing Defenseand Space Group, took place on

The Universal Display and Control System (UDACS) workstations are a key element in the USNavy's P-3 Update IV system. The first functional flight test of the Update IY system, developedby Boeing Defense and Space Group, took place on 16 December 1991.

(Boeing)

SEPTEMBER 1992MARITIME PATROL AVIATION

December 16, 1991.The first series of flights studied

the non-acoustic systems associatedwith the Update IV, while later flighttesting (in early 1992) put emphasis onevaluating the "uYS-2" acoustic pro-cessor, with the dropping of numeroussonobuoys off the Washington (State)Coast.

The heart of the Boeing UpdateIV Programme is the advancedtechnology "Distribution Pro-cessor,/Display Generator Unit"(DPIDGU) system. This is an in-tegrated, information-managementand planning system, which accepts allincoming sensor data, processes it anddistributes it to crew-station displays.The DPIDGU utilizes new high-resolution, full-colour displays thatreplace old P-3 monochromatic screensand central processors. This updatesystem provides for easier task opera-tions. Coupled with the redistributionof operators' workload, the crew'sability to identify, locate and prosecutecontact targets is increased.

Scheduled delivery of the pro-gramme testbed Orion aircraft (andBlock 2 software) to the Navy is plann-ed for August 1993.

The Navy will then conduct itsown series of flight testing for a year.Boeing, once approved, will retro-fitthe Update IV into approximately 109Navy P-3C Update I and II airframes.The Update IV production system,scheduled for the Orion II, differsfrom that of the retro-fit package tobe installed on the older Orions. Thisis mostly because of the new interiorarrangement planned for the Orion II.

Update IV is the largest avionicsupgrade ever undertaken by the Navyfor its P-3 Orions.

Although these programmes con-tinue to progress, military budget cutsare being announced. It's uncertainwhat extent these cuts will have on theUpdate IV and Orion II projects.

USN MPA Force Level 3US Navy budget cuts have taken

their toll on its Maritime Patrol com-munity in the last year. Under the"Force Reduction Plan" developed by

SEPTEMBER 1992

the Secretary of Defense, MaritimePatrol Force levels are to be drawndown from 24 active/|3 ReserveSquadrons to 18 active/9 Reserve.Several Squadrons were dis-establishedin 1991.

The new FY 1993 budget providesfor two more active a.nd four ReserveSquadrons to be deactivated before theend of 1993.

This plan also includes the phasing outof VP-31 Fleet Replacement (Training)Squadron at Moffett Field. TheSquadron's last classes will be combin-ed with those of VP-30 at NASJacksonville by December 1992.

This reduction plan is also in linewith the military-base closings directed '

by the Pentagon. NAS Moffett Fieldhas been targeted to close, with VP-40transferring to NAS Brunswick andVP-46 moving to NAS Jacksonville.Remaining West Coast (active)Squadrons: VP-47 and VP-9, will berelocated to NAS Barbers Point,Hawaii.

These reductions will also affectthe number of P-3 Orions in servicewith the US Navy. Approximately 300P-3 Alpha and Bravo models will retirefrom operational service. The Alphaswere directed to be out of service byOctober 1991, with the exception ofspecial-purpose, research-develop-ment, test-and-evaluation organiza-tions such as: NAWC-AD (NADC),PMTC and NASC. Bravos will con-tinue to be flown in support roles inmany areas of the community.

MARITIME PATROL AVIATION

This leaves the US Navy withabout 264 Charlie models in operation,hence the Navy's decision to extend theservice life of these aircraft by im-plementing a "SLAP"-Service LifeAssessment Programme. The Pro-gramme will study fleet Orions todetermine their fatigue-life condition,and use the generated data to createpreventative measures to extend theirservice life. This will be conductedthrough a "SLEP"-Service Life Exten-sion Programme. SLEP, coupled withpotential new aircraft procurement(Orion II), will provide the Navy withthe force levels to meet its requirementswell into the next century.

Foreign Military Sales

Foreign military make up the bulkof new Orion operators. The Republicof Korea ordered eight p-3C UpdateIII Orions in 1989, prompting the re-opening of the P-3 production line atMarrietta, GA. Designated p-3C Up-date III's, the Korean Orions differfrom standard Update III configura-tion in the areas of computer process-ing, ESM and Radar systems. TheKorean purchase is a direct, commer-cial sale with major mission-systemsand logistical support via a Navy FMS(Foreign Military Sales) CASE. Theproduction schedule is currently ontrack with the first delivery in 1995.

PakistanIn 1991, Pakistan was to receive

three P-3C (Update II.75) Orions itordered several years before. Lockheed

'"uu*o***t'**ffi . ii 'ii ' n "ai lliln- -'' -

The Canadian Armed Forces have acquired three new P-3 designated CP140A "ARCTURUS,'aircraft from Lockheed. This photo depicts the CP140A in its green primer before delivery to IMPHalifax for installation of its sensor systems.

(Lockheed)

PAGE 63

built the aircraft, but delivery wasfrozen by the US Government, due tothe enactment of the Pressler Sanc-tions. Passed by Congress in October1990, the Pressler Amendment statesthat before any FMS sale to Pakistantakes place, it must be accompanied bya certificate from the (Bush) Ad-ministration, that Pakistan "Does notpossess a nuclear explosive device." Todate, no certification has come forth.

As a result, on January 22,1992,the US Navy's VP-30 (Guardians ofthe aircraft) flew the three PakistanOrions to AMARC (The Desert Air-craft Storage Facility) at Davis - Mon-than AFB in Arizona. They will bepreserved there, in the desert, for long-term storage pending resolution of thePressler Sanctions.Canada

1992 also saw Canada receive

three new, long-awaited CP-140AArcturus long-range surveillance air-craft based on the Aurora/Orionairframe.

The aircraft will be delivered toCFB Greenwood by Lockheed fromthe IMP facility in Halifax, where theyhave been undergoing avionics installa-tion, interior outfitting and an all-overgrey paint job.

The CP-l4OAs will take oversovereignty and northern territorypatrols, currently straining theMaritime Auroras. The Arcturus willalso be utilized for SAR, coastalsurveillance and fisheries-protectionmissions.

The new CP-14OA's are more

than capable of providing Auroralogistics support, ferrying spare parts,sonobuoys (stored in the aircraft's 48

non-functional sonobuoy cutes) andpersonnel to deployed bases.

Potential CustomersNumerous other nations have

recently expressed interest in obtainingP-3 Orions.

Potential new Orion operators in-clude Germany and the UK (RAF)which have both been desperately seek-

ing Maritime Patrol aircraftreplacements since the cancellation ofthe P-7A programme.Germany

Germany has continued discus-sions since the P-7 programme, and isinterested in acquiring the US Navy'scurrent Orion configuration. Eventhough that would be the P-3C UpdateIII, an Update IV package like theOrion II is more desired. Any GermanOrion programme would be either adirect, commercial sale with an FMSCASE for mission avionics and logisticsupport or a full FMS sale. This woulddepend upon which configuration is

approved for the sale. An Update IIIprogramme could have an initialdelivery schedule before the GermanNavy's deadline of FY 97.

United KingdomThe United Kingdom is another

refugee of the P-7A programme. TheRAF Nimrod MR.2 Maritime Patrolaircraft that was expected to last intothe next century, will not - sufferingpremature fatigue and corrosion. (UKbudget cuts have also reduced the fleet

to approximately 30 aircraft, with # 42

Squadron planning to stand down in1992).

In January 1992, the Ministry ofDefense issued an Air Staff Require-ment for the Nimrod to be replaced.

Since the cancellation of the P-7A, ofwhich the UK had requested 25, theRAF has been conducting preliminarytalks regarding the P-3 as their nextMaritime Patrol aircraft.

The RAF would prefer Orion IIs,but would consider the P-3C UPdateIII if the Orion II was not approved.

Saudi Arabia - ItalyOther new product customers are

Saudi Arabia and Italy. Both are in-terested in the P-3C Update III or theadvanced upgrade package of theOrion II. Any preliminary program-mes are currently being developedthrough Lockheed's International Pro-grammes Office.Greece

Greece, as part of a militarydefence agreement (signed in July1990), will receive upwards of thirteenP-3 Orions. The Greek Governmentwill exchange retention of US bases,

for ships and aircraft, of which the P-3

acquisition is part.

The Orions will be modified withTACNAVMOD packages as well as

the TP-3 Orion (P-3C UPdate II.5)cockpit.

Eight mission P-3A's, one Utilityand four additional airframes (forground training and spare partssources) are planned, with a deliveryscheduled for the 1994-95 time frame.

There is also a current plan (pen-

ding result of a study and approval) tolease four P-3B TACNAVMODOrions to Greece as an interim measure

until the delivery of the P-3As.

TurkeyIn a similar programme to Greece,

the Turkish Navy has also been offeredP-3 Orions. Representatives fromTurkey were in the US for visual in-spections and meetings duringFebruary 1992. The pending Pro-gramme calls for ten P-3A TACNAV-MOD Orions, eight mission aircraftand two spare airframes. A similar

Aero Union has modified most of their P-3 Orion "Aerostars" with 30fi)-gallon water/chemical

retardant tanks for wild fire suppression.(Aero Union)

MARITIME PATROL AVIATIONPAGE 64 SEPTEMBER 1992

modification package to Greece is ex-pected. A site-survey inspection isplanned for the Fall 1992.

ThailandThailand has ordered five ex-

Navy Alphas for use with the RoyalThai Navy. Two of the aircraft will bedesignated "P-3T" Orions and flownon Maritime Patrol/ocean-surveillancemissions. A third Orion, designated"UP-3T" will be used for training andlogistics, while the remaining airframeswill be cut up and delivered as "spare-parts" birds.

The Thai Orions were scheduledto receive extensive modifications in-cluding the TP-3 Orion (P-3C UpdateII.5) cockpit, a new NAVCOM stationand standard TACNAVMOD sensorpackage. The UP-3T is to be equippedwith the "SEN/TEC', (CombinedAcoustic Sensor and Tacco System)station developed by NADEPJacksonville. This compact sensorpackage is part of a plan to re-modifythe aircraft as a "VP-3T" VIPtransport aircraft at a later date.

However, due to budget concerns,the Thai Orions are now to receive asmaller MOD package than planned,relying on most of the USN Bravo'soriginal equipment. Royal Thai Navy# 2 Squadron will fly the Orions fromThai Naval Air Station Utopao.

US Navy Foreign Military Sales ofSurplus Orions

Several potential Orion customersare interested in ex-Navy surplusOrions. The US Navy FMS office hasnegotiated with many of these coun-tries requesting used P-3 Orionairframes.Australia

Australia is currently planning toacquire three to four P-3 Bravos forlogistics and pilot training tasks. Thisis part of an effort to increase thefatigue life of their 19 P-3C (UpdateII.5) Orions.

Since the crash of an RAAF P-3Cin May 1990, the RAAF has beenevaluating their Orions' fatigue statusand concluded that the P-3C's opera-tional life could be extended byrelegating logistics/crew transport to

SEPTEMBER 1992

other aircraft. Hence the Bravos!The proposed surplus Orions

would be stripped of all sensor sta-tions. Modifications would includeseating-tracks from just behind thecockpit to all the way aft, the Tp-3Orion (Update II.5) cockpit and engineconversion to T56-A-14 Turbopropsvia retro-fit kits. There is even a pro-posal for a cargo door modification ac-commodating light equipmenttransport, (mods to be performed byNADEP Jacksonville as early as Falltee2).Argentina

Argentina has recently expressedinterest in P-3's. Although stillpreliminary, it seems likely they arelooking for a possible replacement fortheir Lockheed Electras. Procuredsoon after the Falklands War, the Elec-tras were utilized for Maritime recon-naissance and SIGINT missions.

BrazilBrazil is another South American

customer interested in Orions. Brazilhas requested eight P-3 TACNAV-MOD Orion aircraft. A price andavailability estimate was forwarded toBrazil in early 1992 and a response isexpected soon.

ChileThe Chilean Navy has recently

shown a strong interest in used P-3Orions. Representatives from Chilehave visited the US several times forvisual inspections, and meetings, witha plan to submit a formal request inlate 1992. Though still a preliminaryprogramme, Chile is interested in eightUP-3 Orions with no ASWcapabilities. The Orions would be us-ed for SAR, drug and coastal, fisheries- surveillance operations.

Non-Military OperatorsBesides the US Navy, Orion ac-

tivity has increased with the additionof many new Orion operators.

Domestic civilian companies likeAero Union Corporation, BlackhillsAviation and Hawkins & Powers Avia-tion airborne fire fighting businesseshave received a combined total oftwelve P-3A Orions via the US ForestService. Aero Union has modified

most of their nine p-3 Orion"AEROSTARS,, with 3000 gallon(water/chemical retardant) tanks forwildfire suppression. Hawkins &Powers and Blackhills Aviation arecurrently studying options for theirOrions. Although operational p-3 airtankers are desirable, both are con-sidering utilizing their P-3 Orion,spower plants to re-engineP-2 Neptunefire fighters.

NASA, at Wallops Island FlightFacility, acquired two P-3B Orionsduring 1991. One Bravo was recentlymodified with the "EFIS" (ElectronicFlight Instrumentation System) knownas the Glass Cockpit. This P-3B will beutilized as an airborne, remote-sensingplatform for scientific research andreplaces the aging "NP-3A" Orionthat retired in early 1992.

Fleet Upgrades and ModificationsMany older Orion operators are

currently upgrading and updating theirOrions.

AustraliaRAAF Orions have been involv-

ed in many improvement projects inthe last year. The "Low Vis" (visual)markings recently displayed on RAAFOrions, and an experimental three-tone grey tactical paint scheme current-ly testing on one P-3C, resembles agreyer version of the Portuguesepattern.

RAAF Orions were the first to testthe new ARL-T56 smoke-reductionsystem, developed by DefenseTechnologies of Australia (a pro-prietary limited company jointly own-ed by the Commonwealth of Australiaand the Pacific Aviation). The T56reduction system modificationeliminates up to 8090 of smoke emis-sions by the Allison T56 turbopropengines. Features of this smoke-reduction system include added fuelsavings and less air-polluting emis-sions. The project has already won thecompany an environmental award.

The first engine flight-tested wason an RAAF P-3C Orion. As of early1992, thirteen Orion and two C-130Hercules engines have been modifiedwith the smoke-reduction system.

MARITIME PATROL AVIATION PAGE 65

ixixxitii'ffi iiiitiriiiiiliii

KAWASAKI has produced three EP-3C Electronic/Signal Warfare Orion varient aircraft for the

Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.'Though similar in mission to the US Navy's EP-3E' the

JMSDF EP-3C differs in the utilization of blisters to house antennas and radars, instead of the

American-type canoe Pods.(JMSDT)

system. Test flights will commence inOctober 1992 and,later (June 1993),

nine more Orions will be fitted with theproduction version of the ESM system.By December 1994, the prototype air-craft will be re-equipped with the pro-duction system. After approval of a

continuation contract, all remainingP-3 Orions will be outfitted with thenew ESM system.

The RAAF is also preparing toput out a bid for an entire avionicsupgrade of their P-3C II.5 Orions. Theproject will include all-new sensors andprocessors: a totally new package,greater than the Update III'scapabilities and equal, in some aspects,

to the upcoming Boeing Orion "Up-date IV" programme.

Specifications will be announcedby the RAAF and it will be up to thepotential contractor to pick the systerns

that best fit the RAAF's specificationrequirements.Canada

Besides the introduction of the

Arcturus into the fleet, the CanadianArmed Forces have been imProvingthe Aurora through a series ofprojects.

Current projects include, theWX- 1000 "STORMSCOPE" weather-

reconnaissance system, produced by3M, and the upgrading of the AYK-10computer with "CMOS," adding four

MARITIME PATROL AVIATION

times the memory capacity of the ex-

isting system.Future projects include the

"OBSC" onboard structural com-puter. It will generate aircraft struc-tural data as part of a fatigue-lifemanagement study, to extend opera-tional service life of the Aurora.

Canadians will also adopt the T56smokeless-engine mod, which reduces

smoke trails and emissions, with in-creased fuel economy. Completion ofthis modification is scheduled for late1992.

The CAF is also testing a GPS

"Global Positioning System" current -

ly installed on an Aurora testberibelonging to MP & EU DevelopmentSquadron. They are evaluating thefeasibility of integration of the GPSsystem into the aircraft. Despite these

improvements, the main Aurora"Mid-Life" update programme has

been postponed for five years (until1999) in an effort to consider the needs

of the CAF Maritime Force.

JapanThe Japanese Maritime Self-

Defense Force (JMSDF) continues toreceive P-3C Orions from KawasakiHeavy Industries, under license fromLockheed. By the end of 1992, the

JMSDF will have received approx-imately 88 Orions. Though most are

Update II.5 models, the last ten are ofthe new Update III configuration. The

JMSDF "Maritime Staff Office" is

now planning an UPdate IV Pro-gramme for earlY 1999.In the mean-

time, the "MSO" is seeking aPProval

for an interim upgrade project for an

advanced, state-of-the-art avionics

suite as a steP towards anY futureupdate.

Kawasaki has also Produced three

EP-3C Electronic/Signal WarfareOrion variant aircraft. Though similarin mission to the US NavY's EP-3E,

the Japanese EP-3C differs in the

utilization of blisters to house anten-

nas and radars, instead of theAmerican-type canoe Pods. TheEP-3C's are currentlY oPerated bY

training support Squadron 81 with five

more aircraft expected by the end of1994. The Japanese are also preparing

Another Australian Orion im-provement project involves a new

"ESM System" for the RAAF.The new ESM system (develoPed

by AWA Defense Industries) is task-ed with detecting submarine transmis-sions, assisting in missile launches(over-the-horizon-targeting) and alertwarnings of potential hostile aircraftor weapons threats while creating andmanaging a surveillance, elec-tromagnetic, tactical picture of the bat-

tle area.The system includes a 19", col-

our, telegraphic (dynamic) displayunit, and the installation of sub-

systems electronics into various racks

with new under-fuselage and wingtipantennas and arrays. The main impor-tant feature is the adding of a new crew

station dedicated to ESM manage-

ment.The "section 4" ESM station will

be located stightly across from Section3 and behind the TACCO on a P-3C

Orion. This trend, of a dedicated ESMoperator, is catching on in the P-3Orion user community. Portugal has

had a two-man Section 3 station witha sole ESM operator for many years.

The RAAF ESM system was

originally tested on a similar, baseline,test-bed aircraft in Israel. That serviceis currently stripping a P-3C Orion andwill equip it with the prototype ESM

PAGE 66 SEPTEMBER 1992

another variant Orion for the nearfuture. Designated "UP-3C," thisutility Orion will be based on a newCharlie airframe. The aircraft will beutilized by VX-51 Air DevelopmentSquadron as an Airborne SystemsTestbed.

The NetherlandsThe Netherlands has been

developing a plan to update their thir-teen P-3C Update II.5 Orions, by theend of the decade. This ,,C[rp,,(Capabilities Update Programme) willafford the Dutch a commonality ofaircraft capabilities with those of otherOrion operators. Depending onbudgets, the Update Programme willbe of a similar type to that of the Boe-ing Update IV. Improvements will in-clude new avionics, the integrated Har-poon Missile System, Global position-ing (Navigation) System, and AircraftDefense (Chaff flare) PODS.

There is a remote possibility that,in lieu of updating their Orions, theDutch can sell or trade-in the thirteenaircraft towards a small number ofmore advanced P-3's like the Orion II.(It's a fact that the KON Marine'sOrions have the lowest hours of anyP-3s of the same type: a welcomefeature to any potential Orioncustomer).

NorwayIn October 1991, Norway receiv-

ed the first of two "P-3N" Orions.P-3N's are re-engineered NorwegianBravos with the acoustic-sensor stationremoved. Modifications includestrengthened floors and seating tracks.New electronics encompass a newradar display and more modern ESMequipment added to the sensor 3 sec-tion, with new HF radios installed inthe Bravo's Navigator station.

The P-3N's will be utilized forpilot training, Coast Guard fisheriespatrols, special operations and VIppassenger transport.

The second P-3N was completedin May 1992.

Norway is also considering equip-ping their new P-3C IIIs with radarand processor upgrades.

PAGE 68

SpainSpain has decided, after a four

year study, to update its five p-3BOrions with an Update IV-type con-figuration. The update programme willutilize "domestic" Spanish industry,providing systems capabilities equal tothe American Boeing Update IVpackage. But, due to limited funding,the programme is now uncertain.

United StatesEven in the US, several Orion

operators have been conducting im-provement programmes.

Key West-based (USN) VAQ-33Fleet Electronic Warfare TrainingSquadron has modified two Navy P-3Bravos as "EP-3J" Orions. The EP-3Jis an upgrade of the EP-3A's VAQ-33used for simulating hostile MaritimeP atr ol / r econnaissance aircraft. Theseaircraft project deceptive signals, andjam Fleet communication,/counter-measures systems in mock attacks onNavy Battle Groups, for trainingpurposes.

The new "J" designation comesfrom new jamming equipment, install-ed on a Bravo airframe, recently ac-quired by the Squadron.

The US Navy is also conductinga "Conversion-in-lieu-of- procure-ment" modification programme of theEP-3E Electronic/Signal WarfareOrions. Designated ARIES II, theMOD is comprised of upgraded, &d-vanced systems incorporated into aP-3C airframe.

Three of the advanced ARIES IIsare now in service with VQ-l andVQ-2, with several more expected laterin 1992. Originalty modified atLockheed's AEROMOD Facility inGreenville, South Carolina, continua-tion of the modification programmehas been transferred to the Navy's Air-craft Repair Depot NADEP at NASAlameda, California. The older EP-3EARIES I Orions, modified on Alphaairframes, have been stripped andscrapped, as the newer EP-3s areintroduced.

The US Custom Service, current-ly operating four modified P-3A

MARIT!ME PATROL AVIATION

SLICK and two P-3 AEW&C Orions,acquired two surplus Navy p-3 Bravosduring 1990-91.

The airframes will be re-engineered by Lockheed as the nextthird and fourth P-3 AEW&C EarlyWarning and Control aircraft for thedrug interdiction Air Branch of the USCustom Service. The new DomeOrions will be painted all-over tacticalgrey, deviating from the usual strikingCustoms AEW&C paint scheme.

The third P-3 AEW&C wasdelivered to the US Customs CorpusChristi Facility in June 7992, with thefourth aircraft delivery expected in Oc-tober 1993.

SummaryThe P-3 Orion has served the

ASW community for three decades,through the height of the Cold War,with distinction. It guaranteed its rolein the future, showing off its superiorASUW capabilities during the recentGulf War.

With a marked increased utiliza-tion by other nations, the Orion hasfirmly established itself as the premierMaritime Patrol aircraft now and inthe future!*

ABOAT THE AUTHORDovid Reode is a full-time, free-lance ovia-

tion journalist whoformed "p-3 publications"in 1989 os o meons to write obout p-i Orions,and hos produced numerow, published orticleson the subject. Mr. Reade has also researched,compiled and written an authoritative p-3Bureau Number (buNo) list, noting current loca-tion of oll foreign and domestic Orion aircraft.The list also includes miscellaneous informationobout porticular airframes not normolly foundin aircraft listings. Updoted quarterly, this listis utilized by severol Navy departments ond Navycontroctors os "An Outstanding P-3 Reference',where no single Orion reference guide wasavailable before.

SEPTEMBER 1992