The newest Boeing P-8 maritime patrol, reconnaissance aircraft has taken to the skies over Puget Sound in the US, bringing the total number of P-8s delivered to 150. The 150th multi-mission P-8 will be operated by US Navy Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) One based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.
“There are now 150 P-8s around the world delivering confidence and an unmatched capability to our global customers,” Stu Voboril, vice president and program manager, P-8 Programs, said. “Our focus has been, and will be, on delivering the world’s best maritime patrol aircraft.”
Reportedly amassing more than 450,000 flight hours, the global P-8 fleet includes 112 aircraft delivered to the US Navy, 12 to Australia, 12 to India, nine to the United Kingdom and five to Norway. First deliveries to New Zealand, Korea and Germany are scheduled for 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively.
The aircraft are designed for anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search and rescue.