P-3 Orion
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| P-3 Orion | |
|---|---|
 U.S. Navy P-3C Orion assigned to VP-22 |
|
| Type | Maritime patrol aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| Maiden flight | 25 November 1959 |
| Introduction | 1962 |
| Status | Active |
| Primary users | United States Navy Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Royal Australian Air Force Republic of Korea Navy |
| Number built | Lockheed – 650, Kawasaki – 107, Total – 757 |
| Unit cost | USD$36 million (FY1987) |
| Developed from | Lockheed L-188 Electra |
| Variants | CP-140 Aurora WP-3D Orion EP-3E Aries II |
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a maritime patrol aircraft used by numerous militaries around the world, primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare.
Contents |
[edit] Development
The P-3 Orion, originally designated P3V, is based on the same design philosophy as the Lockheed L-188 Electra. It is structurally not the same plane. It had seven feet of fuselage removed from forward the wings, as well as myriad internal, external, and airframe production technique enhancements. It served as the replacement for the postwar era P-2 Neptune. The Orion is powered by four Allison T56 turboprops which give it a speed comparable to fast propeller powered fighters, or even slow turbofan jets such as the A-10. Many other countries have seen the value of this platform design and have developed similar patrol aircraft based on this model, with the Soviets adapting their own counterpart to the Orion. The P-3 also competes with the British Hawker Siddeley Nimrod adaptation of the de Havilland Comet and the French Breguet Atlantique.
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. Paint schemes have changed from overall postwar blue, to 1960s white and grey, and 1980s low visibility gray. Over the years more than 40 combatant & non combatant variants have been developed due to the rugged reliability displayed by the platform flying 12 hour plus missions 200 feet AGL over salt water while maintaining an excellent safety record. 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.
[edit] Design
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) Zuni rocket, and various other mines, missiles, and gravity bombs.
[edit] Crew complement in U.S. service
Ten to twelve crew members.
- Patrol Plane Commander ("PPC")
- Co-pilot ("2P")
- Third-pilot ("3P")
- Flight Engineer (FE)
- Second Flight Engineer (2FE)
- Tactical Coordinator (TACCO)
- Navigator/Communicator (NAV/COM)
- Acoustic Sensor Operator 1 (Sensor 1)
- Acoustic Sensor Operator 2 (Sensor 2)
- Non-acoustic Sensor Operator, Radar/MAD (Sensor 3)
- In-flight Technician (IFT)
- Ordnanceman (ORD) – no longer used; IFT has assumed duties
During tactical or training missions, the flight crew's senior aeronautically designated officer is further designated as the Mission Commander (MC). Either the PPC or the TACCO will be designated the MC.
The combatant P-3s, while not necessarily identical, share many basic characteristics. A passive, and active sonar system with supporting computers, acoustic processors, and recorders. Many types of sonobuoys can be fired from externally loaded tubes (P-3C and later) or from inside the fuselage into the water below. Once the buoy hits the water the transducer array deploys and the sound in the water is transmitted by the buoy up to the acoustic sensor operators’ station in the aircraft. The non acoustic operator (sensor 3) handles the radars, electronic support measures, infra red & optics turret, and the long 'stinger' in the tail which houses the magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), and convex windows for observation. All of this data is analyzed by the Aviation Warfare Systems Operators (AWs, sensor operators) to determine the contact, or contacts, type, condition, spatial orientation, vector. They also handle certain types of communication. All of this data is sent to the Tactical Coordinator (TACCO).
Other operators have a varying number of crew on board, depending on their equipment fitout and aircraft role. For example, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft do not have a dedicated Ordnancemen, with that role on the aircraft being supplied by spare crew members from any of the other categories. Also, the RAAF aircraft operate with an ESM operator (Sensor 4), a Sensor Employment Manager (SEM) and a second Flight Engineer (with no In-Flight technician)
[edit] Engine loiter shutdown
On many missions, an engine is shut down (usually engine 1 - the port outer engine) once on station to conserve fuel and extend the time aloft (and range when at low level). On occasion, both outboard engines can be shut down, aircraft weight, weather, and remaining fuel permitting. Long border patrol missions can last over ten hours and may include extra pilots and crew. The record for a P-3 is a 21.5 hour flight undertaken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 5 Squadron in 1972.
Engine 1 is the primary engine for three-engine loiter shutdown because it is the only one that does not have a generator, hence it is not needed for powering onboard electrical systems. Removing the exhaust stream from engine 1 also increases visibility from the primary observer stations on the port side of the aircraft.
[edit] Operational history
Developed during the Cold War, the P-3's primary mission was to track and eliminate threatening ballistic and fast attack submarines in the event of war. Reconnaissance missions in international waters led to several occasions where Soviet fighters would "bump" a P-3. On one occasion in the 1980s the MIG and pilot did not survive the "bump" while trying to ward off a P-3 taking pictures of a Soviet fleet exercise. The P-3 lost more than 10 feet of its wing in the collision. The P-3 completed its mission and flew back to base.
- Cuban Missile Crises
In October 1962 P-3s flew several blockade patrols.
- Vietnam
- Operation Market Time
In 1964 P-3s started a variety of missions. Coastal patrols to stem the supply of materials to the Viet Cong by sea. Feet dry for several missions. During one an artillery shell passed through a P-3 without rendering it mission incapable. During an overland mission it is rumored that a P-3 shot down a MIG with Zuni’s.
- China
From 1963 to 1967 three P-3s were painted black and modified on behalf of the CIA, to operate from Taiwan over and around China.[citation needed] While conducting several psywar, agent/leaflet drops, and reconnaissance missions one of the P-3s are reputed to have shot down a Chinese MiG.[citation needed][dubious ]
- Iraq
- Desert Shield / Desert Storm
August 2nd, 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait and was poised to strike Saudi Arabia. Within forty eight hours of the initial invasion of Kuwait P-3’s were the first American forces to arrive. One of these responding P-3s was a prototype known as “Outlaw Hunter”. “Outlaw Hunter” was undergoing trials, in the Pacific, after being developed by the Navy’s Space & Naval Warfare Systems Command. It was testing a highly specialized OTH-T (over the horizon targeting system package) when it immediately responded. Within hours of the start of the coalition air campaign, “Outlaw Hunter” detected a large number of Iraqi patrol boats and naval vessels attempting to make a run from Basra & Umm Qasar to Iranian waters. “Outlaw Hunter” vectored in strike elements which attacked the flotilla near Bubiyan Island destroying 11 vessels and damaging scores more. During Desert Shield a P-3 using its advanced infra red imaging was able to detect a ship with painted out Iraqi markings under freshly painted, bogus, Egyptian markings trying to avoid detection. Several days before the January 7, 1991 Desert Storm the ISAR P-3 conducted coastal surveillance along Iraq and Kuwait to provide prestrike reconnaissance on military installations. Fifty-five of the one hundred and eight Iraqi vessels destroyed during the conflict were targeted by P-3.[1]
In April 2001 an aerial collision between a United States Navy EP-3E Aries II, a signals reconnaissance version of the P-3C Orion, and a People's Liberation Army Navy J-8IIM fighter jet resulted in an international incident between the United States and China. The J-8IIM fighter crashed and its pilot was killed; the EP-3 made an emergency landing on Hainan and the crew and plane were detained by Chinese authorities.
- Pakistan
In late 2006, the US announced that it intended to sell three P-3C Orions equipped with the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 AEW system to the Pakistan Navy, along with 10 regular P-3Cs. The AEW aircraft will provide Pakistan with search surveillance and control capability for maritime operations.[2]
[edit] Civilian uses
A number of P-3s have been N-registered and are operated by civilian agencies. The United States Customs Service has a number of P-3A and P-3Bs used for maritime patrol. NOAA operates two WP-3D variants specially modified for hurricane research. One P-3B, N426NA, is used by NASA as an earth-science suborbital research platform for NASA, based at Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.
Aero Union, Inc. operates eight P-3As configured as air tankers, which are leased to the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and other agencies for firefighting use. A number of these were involved in the U.S. Forest Service airtanker scandal.
[edit] Variants
- P-3A: The original production version; 157 built.
- P-3A (CS): Four with better radar, for the United States Customs Service.
- EP-3A: Seven modified for electronic reconnaissance testing.
- NP-3A: Three modified for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
- RP-3A: Two modified for scientific uses, for the Oceanographic Development Squadron at NAS Patuxent River.
- TP-3A: 12 modified for training duties, 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.
- WP-3A: Four converted for weather reconnaissance.
- P-3B: The second main production version.
- EP-3B: Two P-3As converted into ELINT aircraft, during the Vietnam War.
- NP-3B: One P-3B converted into a testbed, for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
- P-3BR: Modification to P-3A model for Brazilian Air Force. Eight aircraft with EADS avionics.[3]
- P-3C: The third main production version.
- P-3C Update I: With new and improved avionics, 31 built.
- P-3C Update II: With infra-red detection, sonobuoy reference systems, and able to carry the Harpoon anti-ship missile, 44 built.
- P-3C Update II.5: 24 aircraft with more reliable navigation and communications equipment.
- P-3C Update III: 50 aircraft with new acoustic processor, sonobuoy receiver, and improved APU.
- P-3C Update IV: AIP(US)/UIP(RNoAF)
- EP-3: ELINT aircraft for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.
- NP-3C: One P-3C converted into a testbed for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
- RP-3C: One P-3C modified to replace the RP-3A.
- OP-3C: 10 P-3C converted to reconnaissance aircraft for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.
- UP-3C: Equipment test aircraft for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.
- UP-3D: ELINT training aircraft for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.
- RP-3D: One P-3C modified for atmospheric research, to collect atmospheric data.
- WP-3D: Two P-3Cs modified for NOAA weather research, including hurricane hunting.
- EP-3E Aries: 10 P-3As and 2 EP-3Bs converted into ELINT aircraft.
- EP-3E Aries II: 12 P-3Cs converted into ELINT aircraft.
- NP-3E: Various aircraft used for tests.
- 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.
- P-3H: Proposed P-3C upgrade.
- EP-3J: Two modified from P-3A's for FEWSG use.
- P-3K: five aircraft originally of P-3B standard but subsequently updated, delivered to New Zealand in 1965-67, replacing Short Sunderlands. The original P-3Bs were operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF from Whenuapai, Auckland. These received part of the P-3C update II package and some local innovations, then being designated P-3K (for Kiwi), together with a P-3B purchased second hand 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 (P-3KII).
- P-3N: Two P-3B modified for coastguard missions for the RNoAF.
- P-3P: Six ex-RAAF originally of P-3B standard but subsequently updated for the Portuguese Air Force. They are now being replaced by newer P-3C Update II.5 formerly operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy.
- P-3T: Two P-3A modified for Royal Thai Navy.
- VP-3T: One P-3A modified for Royal Thai Navy VIP use and some surveillance operations.
- P-3W: Designation used internally by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to distinguish the first 10 P-3C aircraft procured in the P-3C Update 2 configuration (1978-79) from the second 10 aircraft which were procured in the Update 2.5 configuration (1982-83). The older aircraft were designated as P-3Cs and the newer aircraft P-3Ws. All were equipped with the British AQS-901 Acoustics Processor. Eventually with various system upgrades to the mission systems the two types mergerd into one and they are now all known as AP-3Cs.
- AP-3C: All the Royal Australian Air Force P-3C/W aircraft which have been fully upgraded with totally new mission systems by L-3 Communications to include an Elta SAR/ISAR RADAR and a GD-Canada Acoustic Processor system.
- TAP-3: 3 modified B-models for training duties with the Royal Australian Air Force, with all the ASW gear removed and passenger seating installed. Removed from service with the full introduction into service of the AP-3C Simulator. Designator reflected them as being 'Training Australian P-3'
- P-3CK: Designation of the eight former P-3B aircraft that the Republic of Korea Navy procured from the USN and which are in the process of being rebuilt with P-3C configuration wings and fitted with updated Mission System Equipment by Korea Aerospace Industries and L-3 Communications.
- P-3AEW&C (originally nicknamed "Sentinel"): Eight P-3B aircraft were converted into Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. The P-3AEW&Cs are used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for drug interdiction and homeland security missions. "Slicks" are P-3s with an optical sensor turret in the nose which often work with the AEW ships.
- CP-140 Aurora: Longe-range maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Canadian Armed Forces. It is based on the P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the more advanced electronics suite of the S-3 Viking.
- CP-140A Arcturus: Three CP-140s without the ASW equipment installed for Aurora crew training and various coastal patrol missions.
- Orion 21 proposed new-build and improved variant for P-3 Orion replacement; lost to Boeing P-8.
[edit] Operators
[edit] Military operators
- Argentine Navy - 6 P-3B; based at Base Aeronaval Alte. Zar, Trelew
- Royal Australian Air Force - 19 AP-3C (10 Sqn, 11 Sqn); based at RAAF Base Edinburgh
- Brazilian Air Force - 8 P-3AM(Upgraded) in 2008[citation needed]; forming at Base Aerea de Santa Cruz or Base Aerea de Salvador.
- Chilean Navy - 4 P-3A; based at Base Aeronaval Torquemada, Con-Con
- German Navy - 8 P-3C (ex Dutch Navy); based at NAS Nordholz, Marinefliegergeschwader 3 Graf Zeppelin
- Hellenic Navy - 6 P-3B; based at Eleusina Air Base
- Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force - 5 P-3F (71ASW SQN); based at Shiraz International Airport (Shahid Douran Air Base)
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force - 101 P-3C, 5 EP-3, 1 UP-3C, 3 UP-3D
- Royal New Zealand Air Force - 6 P-3K (5 Sqn); based in RNZAF Base Auckland
- Royal Norwegian Air Force - 4 P-3C, 2 P-3N (333 Sqn)
- based in Andøya Air Station
- Pakistan Navy - 10 P-3C; based in PAF Base Faisal, Karachi
- Portuguese Air Force - 5 P-3C (Squadron 601); based in Air Base 6 - Montijo
- Republic of China Navy (Taiwan) - 12 P-3C (Ordered to replace S-2 Tracker)[citation needed]; based in Taoyuan Air Base
- Republic of Korea Navy - 8 P-3C, 8 P-3CK; based in Pohang Air Base, Cheju-Do Air Base
- Spanish Air Force - 2 P-3A, 5 P-3B (bought second-hand from Norway); based at Morón Air Base
- Royal Thai Navy - 2 P-3T, 1 VP-3T; based at RTNAB U-Tapao (102 Sqn)
- United States Navy - 161 P-3C[4]
[edit] Civilian operators
- United States Department of Homeland Security - 1 P-3 AEW; based at Corpus Christi, Texas[5]
- Aero Union - 8 P-3A; based in at Chico, California[6]
[edit] Specifications (P-3C Orion)
General characteristics
- Crew: 11
- Length: 116 ft 10 in (35.6 m)
- Wingspan: 99 ft 8 in (30.4 m)
- Height: 33 ft 8.5 in (10.3 m)
- Wing area: 1300 ft² (120.8 m²)
- Airfoil: NACA 0014-1.10 (Root) - NACA 0012-1.10 (Tip)
- Empty weight: 77,200 lb (35,000 kg)
- Loaded weight: 135,000 lb (61,400 kg)
- Useful load: 57,800 lb (26,400 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 142,000 lb (64,400 kg)
- Powerplant: 4× Allison T56-A-14(T56-A-10 in P-3A) turboprop, 4,600 shp (3,700 kW) each
- Propellers: Four-bladed Hamilton Standard propeller, 1 per engine
- Propeller diameter: 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 405 kt (750 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 330 kt (610 km/h)
- Range: 5,600 miles ferry (9,000 km)
- Service ceiling 34,000 ft (10,400 m)
- Rate of climb: 3,140 ft/min (16 m/s)
- Wing loading: 107 lb/ft² (530 kg/m²)
- Power/mass: 0.03 hp/lb (0.06 kW/kg)
Armament
- Bombs: 20,000 lb (9,000 kg)
- Missiles: AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84E SLAM, the Standoff Land Attack Missile, AGM-65 Maverick
- Sonobuoys: 48 Pre-loaded, 50+ Deployable from inside
- Other: Mk 46 and Mk 50 torpedoes, mines, depth charges
[edit] See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
Related lists
- List of military aircraft of the United States
- List of active United States military aircraft
- List of Lockheed aircraft
[edit] References
[edit] Notes
- ^ READE, DAVID (1998). THE AGE OF ORION THE LOCKHEED P-3 ORION STORY. ATGLEN, PA: SCHIFFER, 42-49. ISBN 0-7643-0478-X.
- ^ "Possible Sale to Pakistan of three P-3 aircraft with the E-2C HAWKEYE 2000(AEW) Suite" 7 December 2006 in PDF format
- ^ interview with Rainer Hertrich (EADS CEO) in 2003
- ^ U.S. Grounds 39 P-3 Aircraft. Defensenews (2008-01-11). Retrieved on 2008-01-11.
- ^ DHS Brochure, see photo of P-3 with AEW radar on brochure.
- ^ http://www.aerounion.com/#0#ato/firefighting.asp
[edit] Bibliography
- Winchester, Jim, ed. Military Aircraft of the Cold War (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books plc, 2006. ISBN 1-84013-929-3.
[edit] External links
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