The
P-3C is a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
patrol aircraft. It has advanced submarine detection sensors
such as directional frequency and ranging (DIFAR) sonobuoys and
magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) equipment. The avionics system
is integrated by a general purpose digital computer that supports
all of the tactical displays, monitors and automatically launches
ordnance and provides flight information to the pilots. In addition,
the system coordinates navigation information and accepts sensor
data inputs for tactical display and storage. The P-3C can carry
a mixed payload of weapons internally and on wing pylons.
Background
In February 1959, the Navy awarded Lockheed a contract to develop
a replacement for the aging P2V Neptune. The P3V Orion, derived
from Lockheed's successful L188 Electra airliner, entered the
inventory in July 1962, and more than 30 years later it remains
the Navy's sole land-based antisubmarine warfare aircraft. It
has gone through one designation change (P3V to P-3) and three
major models: P-3A, P-3B, and P-3C, the latter being the only
one now in active service. The last Navy P-3 came off the production
line at the Lockheed plant in April 1990.
Nation of orgin: USA
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company
Primary Function: Antisubmarine warfare(ASW)/Antisurface warfare
(ASUW)
Unit Cost: $36 million
Propulsion: Four Allison T-56-A-14 turboprop engines (4,600 shaft
horsepower each)
Length: 116 feet 8 inches (35.56 meters)
Wingspan: 99 feet 7 inches (29.9 meters)
Height: 33 feet 8 inches (10.26 meters)
Weight: Max gross take-off: 139,760 pounds (62,892 kg)
Speed: maximum - 405 knots (466 mph, 745 kmph); cruise - 350
knots (403 mph, 644 kmph)
Ceiling: 30,000 feet (9,000 meters)
Range:Typical mission: 10-12 hours duration; Maximum endurance:
14 hours
Crew: 12
Armament: Harpoon (AGM-84) cruise missile; Maverick (AGM 65)
air-to-ground missiles, MK-46 torpedoes, depth charges, sonobuoys;
and mines up to around 20,000 pounds (9 metric tons) internal
and external loads
Date Deployed: First flight, November 1959; Operational, P-3A
Orion 1962 and P-3C Orion 1969
