P-8A Poseidon Moves to Preflight

Boeing [NYSE: BA] Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) and Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) employees gathered today in Renton, Wash., to celebrate the completion of final assembly on the first P-8A Poseidon for the U.S. Navy and its move to preflight work.

IDS and BCA are building the P-8A, a military derivative of the 737-800, on a third final assembly production line in Renton. The third line takes advantage of the proven efficiencies, manufacturing processes and performance of the highly reliable Next-Generation 737.

"We're proud to have completed final assembly on the first P-8A Poseidon," said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and P-8 program manager for BCA. "Our objective on the P-8 program is to provide the Navy with the world's most advanced maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. BCA and IDS working together as one team will be able to do just that."

IDS will now focus on calibrating the flight-test instrumentation onboard the aircraft before moving it to Boeing Field in Seattle early next year for systems integration and additional testing.

"Program milestones, both big and small, are met daily thanks to our outstanding Poseidon team," said Bob Feldmann, vice president and P-8 program manager. "Since the start of final assembly in late March, the team has met all assembly milestones, including wing-to-body-join and start of the moving line in May, completion of full-power testing and engine installation in June and, most recently, engine run."

The Navy plans to purchase 108 P-8As to replace its fleet of P-3C aircraft. Initial operational capability is slated for 2013.