India receives fourth Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft

The Indian Navy has taken delivery of its fourth P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from Boeing at Naval Air Station Rajali.

Delivered as part of a contract awarded in January 2009 for a total of eight P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, the latest jet joins the already existing three P-8Is that are currently undergoing operational assessment.

Boeing P-8I programme manager Leland Wight said: "The Indian Navy is putting the first three P-8Is through their paces operationally, and the P-8I delivered today will begin flight trials in the coming months."

Based on Boeing’s next-generation 737-800 aircraft, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

Incorporating unique customised design features as well as India-built subsystems as per the country’s maritime patrol requirements, P-8I also features advanced sensor and display technologies, in addition to open system architecture.

Capable of protecting the vast coastline and territorial waters of India, the aircraft supports missions including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (AsuW), intelligence, maritime patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Powered by two CFM56-7 engines from CFM International, the patrol aircraft is equipped with directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system and the electronic support measures (ESM) system that defends the aircraft from incoming infrared guided missiles.

Capable of accommodating a nine-member crew, the patrol jet can cruise at a maximum speed of 789kmph and offer a maximum 2,222km range, while reaching a maximum altitude of 12,496m.

The jet has been built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

Image: Boeing’s scheduled delivery fulfils first half of the Indian Navy contract for eight P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. Photo: Courtesy of Boeing photo.