Lockheed P-3 Orion
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| Lockheed P-3 Orion | ||
|---|---|---|
 Royal Netherlands Navy Lockheed P-3C Orion 308 | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Landbased Anti Submarine Maritime Patrol Aircraft | |
| Crew | 3 cockpit crew (plus 2 relief optional) and 8 to 16 tactical crew. | |
| First Flight | 19 August 1958 | |
| Entered Service | August 1962 | |
| Number built | 754 | |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed | |
| Model 185 | ||
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 35.6 m | 116 ft 10 in |
| Wingspan | 30.4 m | 99 ft 8 in |
| Height | 10.3 m | 33 ft 8.5 in |
| Wing area | 120.8 m² | 1300 ft² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 27,.900 kg | 61,500 lb |
| Loaded | kg | lb |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 63,400 kg | 139,760 lb |
| Capacity | 20,000 lb bombs, missiles, torpedoes etc | |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 4 Allison T56-A-14 | |
| Power | 3,700 kW (each) | 4,600 shp (each) |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 745 km/h | 466 mph |
| Operational range | 4,400 km | 2,700 miles |
| Service ceiling | 8,600 m | 28,300 ft |
| Rate of climb | 3,140 ft/min | 957 m/min |
| Avionics | ||
| Avionics | ||
| Armament | ||
| Armament | Bombs AGM-84 Harpoon AGM-84E SLAM AGM-65 Maverick Mk.46 torpedoes Mk.50 torpedoes mines depth charges | |
Contents |
History
The P-3 Orion, originally designated P3V, was delevoped as Lockheed P2V Neptune replacement for the US Navy shore based Anti-Submarine Warfase role. The Orion is based on the Lockheed L-188 Electra, which was shortened by seven ft. The P-3 has an internal bomb bay under the front fuselage which can house conventional and, or special (nuclear) weapons, as well as underwing stations, or pylons, which can carry various armament configurations including AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-65 Maverick, Mark 50 torpedo, Mark 46 torpedo, precision surface attack AGM-12 Bullpup guided missile, 5 in (12.7cm)Zunni, and various other mines, missiles, and gravity bombs. The first production version, designated P3V-1, first flew 15 April 1961, but by the time the first deliveries were made in 1962, the unified designation system made this the P-3. Versions have been developed for the NOAA for research and hurricane hunting/wall busting, Customs for drug interdiction missions, NASA for research and development. The CIA has several for aerial surveillance, and agent/leaflet delivery. Aerial surveillance with a rotodome adapted from the E-2 Hawkeye. The United States Navy's P-3s are slated for replacement between 2010–2013 by the P-8 Poseidon, based upon the Boeing 737 civilian aircraft.
Versions
P-3
P-3A
Initial production model, delivered as P3V-1, powered by four T56-A-10W turboprop engines. 157 a/c buit. Upgraded for US Customs as P-3A (CS). Mods include NP-3A (three a/c US Naval Research Laboratory and NASA as the Gemini/Apollo spacecraft support aircraft), RP-3A (2 a/c for Oceanographic Development Squadron at NAS Patuxent River for oceanographic, magnetic and acoustic projects ), TP-3A (12 converted as crew trainer, with all the ASW gear removed), UP-3A (38 used as utility transports, with all the ASW gear removed), VP-3A (three WP-3As and two P-3As converted into VIP/staff transports) and WP-3A (four converted for weather reconnaissance). Proposed version was the CP-3A Advanced Base Support Aircraft (ABSA) with a large cargo door, strengthened loading floors and new emergency exits. Shortly after the signing of the contract the Naval Air Systems Command changed the specifications for the "new" transport aircraft, resulting in the termination of the CP-3A project.
P-3B
Introduced in 1965, the P-3B was powered by T56-A-14 engines, wingtip mounted ESM equipment and integration of the AGM-12 Bulpup missile. Submodels include the P-3B LW (Light Weight) and P-3B HW (Heavy Weight). Updated Australian P-3B's are designated AP-3B and TAP-3B (crew trainer), updated Chilean aircraft as P-3ACH and updated Brazilan aircraft as P-3AM (local designation P-3BR). Mods include UP-3B and NP-3B for US Naval Research Laboratory (used for Littoral Surveillance Radar System (LSRS) pod testing). Three ex-RAAF P-3Bs were converted into Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft as P-3AEW&C "Dome" and are used by the US Customs for anti-drug patrols.
P-3C
Introduced in 1968, the P-3C featured Texas Instruments AN/APS-115 radar, Litton LN-72 INS en CAI KA-74A photo camera's, later replaced by retractable FLIR system and new 64kB (!) central computer. P-3C Update I was released april 1974, followed by P-3C Update II (with Sperry Univac AN/ASQ-114 data processor, AN/ALQ-77 ESM and provisions for AN/ALQ-78 pod and new AN/ASA-64 MAD. The P-3C Update II.5 had more reliable navigation and communications equipment (24 a/c built), while the P-3C Update III was equipped with new acoustic processor, sonobuoy receiver, AGM-84 Harpoon and improved APU (50 a/c delivered). The P-3C Update IIIR was applied to updated older P-3C's. P-3C-II¾ is an export variant of the Update III for the Pakistan Navy. Three aircraft were built for anti-ship missions and were equipped with Harpoon missiles and with an APS-134 radar. P-3C-III+ is an adapted production version for the Korean Navy, fitted with the AN/APS-134 radar and an AN/ASQ-212 central computer. A sole P-3C Update IV is used as development aircraft for the ASUW Improvement Program (AIP). The P-3C-II Outlaw Hunter OASIS (Over-the-Horizon Airborne Sensor Information System) is able to localise enemy targets from a large distance and coordinate attacks on these targets. The Outlaw Hunter was first successfully deployed during the Gulf War (1990/'91). Based on the experiences in the Gulf the equipment was further developed into the so-called Over-the-horizon Airborne Sensor Information System (OASIS), of which three versions can be recognized: OASIS I, OASIS II and OASIS III. The latter became part of the Anti surface warfare Improvement Program (AIP). Australian aircraft upgraded to AP-3C. Latest integration is the Littoral Surveillance Radar System (LSRS) pod, a large under-fuselage pod containing SLAR said to provide E-8C like capabilities.
Mods include NP-3C (one P-3C converted into a testbed for the US Naval Research Laboratory), TP-3C crew trainer (never used), RP-3C (one P-3C modified to replace the RP-3A), UP-3C (two training, support and calibration version for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force) and P-3C CDU (modified with an APG-66 fire control radar and an AN/AVX-1 Cluster Ranger EOS for Counter Drug operations). The CP-3C was initially applied to CP-140 Aurora aircraft for the Candadian Forces and OP-3C (observation platforms for Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, originally designated UP-3E). The CP‑140A Arcturus was applied for a 1989 repeat order, primarily used for environmental and fishery surveillance, polar patrol, utility missions and flight crew training. The equipment of the Arcturus consists of an AN/APN-134+ search radar and communication systems only (all ASW equipment removed).
P-3D
De designation P-3D is used primarily for specialized models, based on the P-3C airframe. Models include the RP-3D (for atmospheric and magnetic research missions, ASW systems removed), and additional fuel tank of 4,543 litres in the weapons bay, which increased the total fuel capacity to 39,369 litres), UP-3D (developed by Kawasaki, used as ESM-trainer and comparable to the USN EP-3J), WP-3D (modified for NOAA weather research, including hurricane hunting). In 1994, the US Navy redesignated several UP-3A, RP-3A, RP-3D and EP-3B aircraft into one general designation: NP-3D. The aircraft involved were so heavily modified that they would for sure never be brought back to the standard P-3A or P-3B standards. During SDLM the aircraft were fitted with new engines, standard flight deck instruments and a weather radar system. A very special variant within the fleet of NP-3Ds is the so-called “Billboard Orion” of the NWTS. These aircraft have a 3,65 x 1,83 m. aerial on top of the fuselage, just in front of the vertical stabilizer. These NP-3D's are supporting operational tests of guided missiles on the test ranges near NAS Point Mugu by making over-the-horizon telemetry data available for shore and ship based command centers
P-3F
Six P-3C Orions delivered to the Imperial Iranian Air Force in the late 1970s.
P-3G
The original designation of the Lockheed P-7 for the Long Range Air ASW Capable Aircraft (LRAACA). Stretched fuselage and to be equipped with Update IV avionics and Allison T407 turboprops, giving 50% more range. Cancelled 1989.
P-3H
Simplified P-3G proposal, with standard P-3C fuselage mated with Update IV avionics and engines and wing of the P-3G.
P-3J
Original designation for the Japanese Orions (designation never actually used).
P-3K
Five aircraft originally of P-3B standard but subsquently updated, delivered to New Zealand in 1965-67, replacing Short Sunderlands. The original P-3Ks are operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF from Whenuapai, Auckland together with a P-3B purchased from the Royal Australian Air Force and brought up to P-3K standard. The aircraft were recently re-winged and are undergoing a further round of avionics and sensor updates in 2005. In August 2009, the first upgraded P-3K2 flew. The P-3K2 introduces new sensors, communication and data management systems. The tactical rail in the cabin had been fitted with LCD touch screens and PC workstations to control the sensors, while a glass cockpit has replaced the earlier analogue instrumentation.
P-3M
Spanish Air Force P-3B modernized with the EADS/CASA Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS).
P-3N
Two P-3B modified for coastguard missions for the RNoAF.
P-3P
Six ex-RAAF P-3Bs for the Portuguese Air Force.
P-3W
20 P-3C-IIs for the RAAF, fitted with AQS-901 processors, and the Barra sonobuoy system.
P-3T
Three former ex US Navy P-3A's delieverd in 1992 to Thailand. Conversions include UP-3T VIP conversion for Royal Thai Navy, later redesignated VP-3T.
P-3W
Unofficial designation for P-3C Update II½ aircraft for Royal Australian Air Force.
EP-3
EP-3A
Seven modified for electronic reconnaissance testing. Several standards, making virtually each aircraft unique.
EP-3B Batrack
Two P-3As converted into ELINT aircraft to monitor Russian radar and radio signals. Both EP-3Bs were operated by VQ-1 and their primary missions included reconnaissance missions against Soviet ships in international waters.
EP-3C
ELINT aircraft for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.
EP-3E Aries
10 P-3As and 2 EP-3Bs converted into ELINT aircraft as EP-3E Aries I and 12 P-3Cs converted into ELINT aircraft as EP-3E Aries II. The ARIES variant was introduced in 1970 and has been the most important electronic surveillance variant of the Orion for many years. All ASW mission equipment was replaced with specialized electronic monitoring systems. Aerials of the radar signal analyser and various intelligence systems were installed in radomes below and on top of the fuselage and center wing.
EP-3J
Two modified from P-3A's for FEWSG use, operated as so-called “aggressors” during exercises with USN and NATO ships. Specialized equipment onboard of the EP-3J (“J” for “jammer”) enabled the crew to imitate the radar signature of a Tupolev Bear. This Orion variant was developed by Chrysler Technologies Airborne Systems Inc. and was fitted with an AN/USQ-133 communication intercepting and jamming system, satellite communication, radar disturbing systems and a chaff dispenser.
P-3 Upgrades
P-3 BMUP
The Block Modification Upgrade Program (BMUP) was started to modify P-3C-II½ Orions to a configuration with capabilities similar to the P-3C-III. This program replaced the P-3C-III retrofit program because many system components for the P-3C-IIIR variant were no longer available. For the USN BMUP conversions started in 1996 and a total of 25 were planned, ten of which were completed by July 2003. Dutch P-3C-II½ Orions received the BMUP upgrade at the start of their conversion to P-3C CUP standard.
P-3 AIP
Anti surface warfare Improvement Program (AIP) for the P-3C's to improve it's overland capabilities, featuring the introduction of chaff/flare dispensers, missile warning receivers, SATCOM, GPS, new ESM and an Electro Optical System (EOS). The original AIP variant (operational in April 1998) was fitted with the AN/AVX-1 Cluster Ranger electro-optical system at the TACCO position’s window. This system was replaced in later AIP conversions (as of 1999) by the Wescam Advanced Imaging Multispectral System (AIMS), fitted in the FLIR turret below the nose radome. Other systems introduced in the P-3C AIP were the AN/APS-137B(V)-5 radar, the AN/ALR-66C(V)-5 ESM system (for which the dome-mounted spinning antenna below the center fuselage was introduced), the OASIS III over-the-horizon targeting system, AN/ALE-47 chaff and flare dispensers, AN/AAR-47 missile warning receivers, the AN/ASQ-222 mission computer, INS, GPS and SATCOM.
P-3 CUP
Capability Upkeep Program for P-3C-II½ Orions. New systems include an AN/ASQ-227 central computer, the AN/APS-137B(V)5 radar, AN/ASQ-78B acoustic processing system, AN/ALR-66C(V)3 ESM system and SATCOM. Ordered by Royal Dutch Navy, but shortly after conversion sold to Germany and Portugal.
P-3 UIP
Upgrade similar to P-3 CUP. New systems include the AN/ASQ-212 central computer, AN/APS-137B(V)-5 Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), AN/ALR-66C(V)5 ESM system, GPS and SATCOM. Ordered by Norway (4).
Operators
Images
 Dutch "Marine Luchtvaart Dienst" P-3C-2 1/2 with code 300 at the farewell to Valkenburg Open Day on 4 June 2005 |
More information
External links
Sources
- Air International, September 2009
