The US Navy has contracted L3Harris Technologies for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul support (MRO) of its 135 aircraft P-8A Poseidon fleet.
Work will begin this year at the company’s aircraft modification facility in Waco, Texas, and continue through September 2029.
L3Harris Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance President Jason Lambert said, “We are proud of our longstanding tradition of providing the US Navy with integration and sustainment solutions for mission success.”
“We also look forward to supporting the Navy’s international military partners as part of this new award,” he added.
P-8A Poseidon Fleet
The P-8A Poseidon is a multi-mission aircraft specializing in maritime patrol and reconnaissance.
Its primary functions include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as search and rescue operations.
The P-8A is 129.5 feet (39.47 meters) long and 42.1 feet (12.83 meters) high with a wingspan of 123.6 feet (37.64 meters) and carries a crew of nine.
Powered by two CFM 56-7B engines with 27,300 lbs. (12,378 kilograms) thrust each, the aircraft can carry a wide range of arms, including torpedoes and cruise missiles.
It is a replacement for the Navy’s aging P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and has been in service since 2013.