GE to provide systems and structures for P-8I maritime patrol aircraft
rhsukarsa
19:34 GMT, January 8, 2009 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GE Aviation will provide integrated systems and structures for the eight P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft Boeing is developing for the Indian Navy. The Government of India recently selected Boeing to provide the aircraft to help meet its unique maritime patrol requirements.
The P-8I is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon being developed for the U.S. Navy by a Boeing-led industry team that includes GE Aviation.
GE’s stores management system and flight management system, fuselage and the wing pylon structures for the P-8I are designed for growth and provide outstanding capabilities tailored to India’s unique maritime-patrol requirements.
GE’s stores management system provides a comprehensive system with integrated electronic control. The company’s flight management system provides a truly integrated open architecture that is CNS/ATM compliant along with an inherent growth path for upgrades. For the P-8A, GE manufactures and qualifies both the fuselage and the wing pylon structure with two fuselage and four wing pylons fitted to each aircraft.
GE’s program is well advanced with design complete and hardware in manufacturing to support P-8A activities. GE’s P-8I deliveries to Boeing will commence in 2010 in line with the program schedule.
India is the first international customer for the P-8. Boeing will deliver the first P-8I within 48 months of the contract signing, and the remaining seven by 2015.
The P-8I is a true multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) that features greater flexibility and a broader range of capabilities than MPAs currently in service. The P-8I can operate effectively over land or water while performing anti-submarine warfare missions; search and rescue; maritime interdiction; and long-range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.
The P-8I provides India with speed, reliability, persistence and room for growth to satisfy the country's requirements now and well into the future. The aircraft features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment. (@ Defro)
