P-3 Orion

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 either operate alone or supporting many different customers including the carrier
battle group and amphibious readiness group. The aircraft can carry a variety of
weapons internally and on wing pylons, such as the Harpoon anti-surface missile, the
MK-50 torpedo and the MK-60 mine.
Each Maritime Patrol Aviation (MPA) squadron has nine aircraft and is manned by
approximately 60 officers and 250 enlisted personnel. Each 11-person crew includes
both officer and enlisted personnel. The MPA squadrons deploy to sites outside the
United States for approximately six months, and generally spends one year training at
home between deployments.
In February 1959, the Navy awarded Lockheed a contract to develop a replacement
for the aging P-2 Neptune. The P-3V Orion entered the inventory in July 1962, and
over 30 years later it remains the Navy's sole land-based antisubmarine warfare
aircraft. It has gone through one designation change (P-3V 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.
Since its introduction in 1969, the P-3C has undergone a series of configuration
changes to implement improvements in various mission and aircraft systems through
updates to the aircraft. These changes have usually been implemented in blocks
referred to as "Updates." Update I, introduced in 1975, incorporated new data
processing avionics and software, while Update II in 1977 featured an infrared
detection system, a sonobuoy reference system, the Harpoon anti-ship missile and a
28-channel magnetic tape recorder/reproducer.
Technical Evaluation (TECHEVAL) for P-3C Update III Aircraft began in March
1981, and was completed in second quarter 1982. Force Warfare Test Directorate,
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAVAIRWARCENACDIV), at
Patuxent River, Maryland, conducted the TECHEVAL. Air Test and Evaluation
Squadron One (VX-1) began Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of the P-3C
Update III Aircraft at NAVAIRWARCENACDIV Patuxent River in September 1981,
and completed this phase of testing in January 1982. Provisional approval for service
use was granted in July 1982. Approval for full production was received in January
1986 following Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E). The Update III
Program was enhanced by a Channel Expansion (CHEX) Program. CHEX doubled
the number of sonobuoy channels that can be processed and has been installed in all
P-3C Update III Aircraft. The CHEX Program began in 1983 and the tested aircraft
was delivered in April 1986. CHEX TECHEVAL was accomplished from March
through June 1988.
The P-3C Update III Aircraft is manned by an 11-man crew composed of five officers
and six enlisted. Enlisted crewmembers are selected from the following aviation
ratings: Aviation Machinist's Mate (AD), Aviation Electrician's Mate (AE), Master
Chief Aircraft Maintenance man (AF), Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic
(AM), Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) (AME), Aviation Structural
Mechanic (Hydraulics) (AMH), Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) (AMS),
Aviation Electronics Technician (AT), and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW).
The operational concept for the P-3C Update III and P-3C Update III AIP Aircraft
remains the same as previous updates to the P-3C Aircraft, to provide tactical
surveillance, reconnaissance, strike support, fleet support and warning, and
monitoring of electromagnetic signals of interest for intelligence analysis. Patrol
squadrons operate with nine aircraft from established Naval Air Stations (NASs)
worldwide. The P-3C Update III and P-3C Update III AIP Aircraft continue the P-
3C's capability of operating one or more aircraft from remote airfields with no
organizational or intermediate support for short periods of time.
The P-3C Update III was introduced into the fleet during early 1985, and Aircraft
Initial Operating Capability (IOC) was achieved in 1986. The P-3C Update III
Aircraft is in the Production, Fielding, Deployment, and Operational Support Phase of
the Weapon System Acquisition Process. The noteworthy additions and changes
which comprised Update III, enhanced acoustic data processing capabilities and
improved the sonobuoy communications suite. These changes included the Single
Advanced Signal Processor System, Advanced Sonobuoy Communications Link
Receiver, Adaptive Controlled Phased Array System, Electronic Support Measure
(ESM) Set, Acoustic Test Signal Generator, CP-2044 Digital Data Computer, and
changes to the Environmental Control System.

• The Harpoon Stand-Off Land Attack Missile (SLAM) launched from the P-3C
Orion aircraft provides commanders with the ability to immediately deploy a
long range responsive platform that can remain on-station for extended periods
of time, retask targets in flight, and deliver up to four over-the-horizon
precision weapons in minutes. The same aircraft can then remain on station and
 continue to target other platforms' missiles by the use of its Electro-Optical,
Rapid Targeting System (RTS) and real time data link capabilities.
• The AN/ALQ-158(V) Adaptive Controlled Phased Array System [ACPA] VHF
sonobuoy receiving antenna system amplifies reception of sonobuoy signals.
The ACPA now consists of: Two AS-3153/ALQ-158(V) Blade Antennas are
installed; only omni-directional reception is provided; AM-6878/ALQ-158(V)
Radio Frequency Amplifier equipment receives and amplifies the signals sent
from the blade antennas and passes these amplified signals on to the AN/ARR-
78 ASCL receiver.
• AN/ARR-78(V) 1 Advanced Sonobuoy Communications Link [ASCL]
Receiver contains 20 receiver modules, each capable of accepting RF operating
channels 1-99 (those sonobuoy channels now in use and those being developed
for future use). All 20 receiver modules may be tuned to any one of the
sonobuoy operating frequencies. The ASCL consists of a Radio Receiver,
Receiver Control/On-Top Position Indicator (OTPI), Control Indicator, and
Receiver Indicator. Two R-2033/ARR-78(V)1 Radio Receiver units receive
acoustic data for the SASP. Each has four auxiliary function channels which
allow the TACCO to monitor the sonobuoy audio channels, BT light off
detection, and OTPI reception. The C-10127/ARR-78(V)1 Receiver Control
unit provides manual control of the OTPI receiver only, permitting the pilot to
select the OTPI receiver and tune it to any one of the 99 channels. The C-
10126/ARR-78(V) Control Indicator is the primary manual control for the
ASCL Set is the control indicator. Each of the two units installed allows the
operator to select and program any of the 20 receiver modules. Each of the two
ID-2086/ARR-78(V)1 Receiver Indicator units simultaneously displays the
status of all 20 receiver modules on a continuous basis.
• The AN/UYS-1(V) Single Advanced Signal Processor System [SASP] is a
digital processor designed for the conditioning, analysis, processing, and
display of acoustic signals. The SASP System is comprised of two basic
elements. The TS-4271/UYS-1(V)10 Analyzer Detecting Set, also called the
AU, is installed with a primary function of processing acoustic signals through
the use of a Spectrum Analyzer TS-4271/UYS-1(V). It is protected from power
transients by a PP-7467/UYS-1(V) Power Interrupt Unit (PIU). The CP-
1808/USQ-78(V) SASP Display Control Unit (DCU), contains a
programmable, modularity expandable system containing two independent
computer subsystems, a System Controller, and a Display Generator (DG) and
is also protected by a PIU. The DG also provides hardware interface to two
Commandable Manual Entry Panels (CMEPs) C-11808/USQ-78(V), and two
Multi-Purpose Displays (MPDs) IP-1423/ USQ-78(V). The two manual entry
panels provide the operator an interface to control system operating modes and
MPD visual presentations.
• With the AN/ALQ-78A Countermeasures Set the existing Countermeasures Set
(AN/ALQ-78) is modified by an ECP which improved both maintainability and
performance. This ECP was first introduced in the P-3C Update II (ECP-955
for production aircraft and ECP-966 for retrofit aircraft).
• The AN/ARS-5 Receiver-Converter Sonobuoy Reference System, a 99
Channel SRS, permits the continuous monitoring of a sonobuoy location from a
stand-off position. The SRS provides "fly to" reference data to the CP-2044. It
was fit into Lockheed I-9 aircraft serial 5812 Bureau Number 163005 and
subsequent production aircraft and was retrofit into production P-3C Update III
Aircraft.
• The AN/ARC-187 Ultra High Frequency Radio Set provides for a satellite
communications capability. The two installed AN/ARC-143 UHF Radios were
replaced by two AN/ARC-187 UHF Radios with the incorporation of ECP-988.
This ECP is applicable to all P-3C Update III Aircraft. The AN/ARC-187 was
installed in the P-3C Update III production aircraft delivered in May 1988 and
subsequent. Retrofit installation by Lockheed Martin field teams has been
completed.
• The CP-2044 Digital Data Computer is a single cabinet airborne computer
equipped with high-throughput microprocessors, increased memory capacity, a
dual bus system, and built-in diagnostics. Improvements to the CP-901 have
resulted in a design which dramatically increases performance while
maintaining the CP-901 footprint and significantly reduces weight and power
requirements. Main shared memory is increased to one mega word, with an
additional one mega word available for memory growth. In addition, each of
the processor modules contains one mega word of local memory. These design
improvements and the use of Ada language will accommodate future
processing requirements and keep the system viable throughout the 1990s.
Performance improvements are made possible by 15 new six by nine inch
printed circuit cards. The CP-2044 features three Motorola 68030
microprocessors and card slots for four additional processors. Functions of the
previously external AN/AYA-8 or OL-337(V)/AY Logic Units and the CV-
2461A/A are incorporated in the CP-2044.
• The AN/ARN-151(V)1 Global Positioning System [GPS] provides highly
accurate navigation information. The five-channel receiver processor unit
continuously tracks and monitors four satellites simultaneously, while the fifth
channel tracks another satellite for changeover to maintain an acceptable
geometry between satellites.
• The AN/ALR-66A/B(V)3 Electronic Support Measures [ESM] Set provides
concurrent radar warning receiver data (threat data) along with ESM data (fine
measurement of classical parametric data). The AN/ALR-66B(V)3 Set provides
increased sensitivity and processing improvements over its predecessor, the
 AN/ALR-66A(V)3. Further refinements to the operational flight program and
the library will provide an operator tailorable library. The AN/ALR-66B(V)3
provides inputs to the EP-2060 Pulse Analyzer to detect, direction find,
quantify, process, and display electromagnetic signals emitted by land, ship,
and airborne radar systems.

The P-3C Update III Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement

Program [AIP] Aircraft will provide improvements in Command,
Control, Communications, and Intelligence; surveillance and OTH-
T capabilities; and survivability, to include the Maverick Missile
System. Delivery of the P-3C Update III Anti-Surface Warfare
(ASUW) Improvement Program (AIP) Aircraft to the fleet began
29 April 1998 and is scheduled to be complete at the close of
FY00. The P-3C Update III AIP will be accomplished through the retrofit of P-3C
Update III Aircraft that have the CP-2044 Digital Data Computer and AN/ALR-
66B(V)3 Electronic Support Measures Set installed. Transition to the P-3C Update III
AIP Aircraft began in April 1998. Since, as currently envisioned, squadrons will
initially operate both the P-3C Update III and P-3C Update III AIP Aircraft, aircrew
and maintenance personnel will require training for both aircraft configurations.
Training track lengths will increase with the inclusion of the P-3C Update III AIP
Aircraft information into existing training tracks. The P-3C Update III AIP Aircraft
equipment includes:

• The IR Maverick Missile is an infrared-guided, rocket-propelled, air-to-ground

missile for use against targets requiring considerable warhead penetration prior
to detonation. The missile is capable of two pre-flight selectable modes of
target tracking. The armor or land track mode is optimized for tracking land-
based targets such as tanks or fortified emplacements. The ship track mode is
optimized for tracking seaborne targets. The missile is capable of launch-and-
leave operation. After launch, automatic missile guidance is provided by an
imaging infrared energy sensing and homing device.
• The AN/AAS-36A Infrared Detecting Set [IRDS] provides passive imaging of
infrared wavelength radiation to visible light emanating from the terrain along
the aircraft flight path for stand-off detection, tracking, and classification
capability. The IRDS update will primarily consist of an improved A-focal
lens.
• The AN/AVX-1 Electro-Optical Sensor System [EOSS] is an airborne
stabilized electro-optical system that provides video for surveillance and
reconnaissance missions. The AN/AVX-1 EOSS has the capability to detect
and monitor objects during the day from exceptionally clear to medium hazes,
dawn and dusk, and during the night from a full moon to starlight illumination.
• The AN/APS-137B(V)5 Radar is capable of multimode operation to provide
periscope and small target detection, navigation, weather avoidance, long range
surface search and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and ISAR imaging modes.
SAR provides detection, identification, and classification capability of
stationary targets. ISAR provides detection, classification, and tracking
capability against surface and surfaced submarine targets. The AN/APS-
137B(V)5 ISAR provides range, bearing, and positional data on all selected
targets, and provides medium or high resolution images for display and
recording.
• The EP-2060 Pulse Analyzer works in conjunction with the AN/ALR-66C(V)3
to detect, direction find, quantify, process, and display electromagnetic signals
emitted by land, ship, and airborne radar systems.
• Three Color High Resolution Display [CHRD] general purpose, dual channel,
closed circuit units provide the operator with improved Operator-Machine-
Interface and 1024 X 1280 pixel landscape orientation, improved response time
to operator commands, and an increase of 300 percent in the video refresh rate
to minimize display flicker. Five types of data may be displayed on the CHRD:
cursors, cues, tableau, alerts, and raw video.
• The Pilot Color High Resolution Display [PCHRD] provides the ability to
display complex tactical and sensor information to the pilot station.
• The Over-the-Horizon Airborne Sensor Information System [OASIS] III data is
received and prepared for transmission via the OASIS III Tactical Data
Processor (TDP). OASIS III processes and correlates all data provided via
MATT and Mini-DAMA. The OASIS III TDP provides an Officer in Tactical
Command Information Exchange System (OTCIXS) message link, coupled
with GPS-aided targeting using the AN/APS-137B(V)5 Radar.
• The OZ-72(V) Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal [MATT] system
will provide Tactical Receive Equipment (TRE) capability to receive and
decrypt three simultaneous channels of Tactical Data Information Exchange
Subsystem (TADIXS-B), Tactical Related Applications (TRAP), and Tactical
Information Broadcast Service (TIBS) information. The system will route the
received broadcast data to the OASIS III for further processing.
• The AN/USC-42(V)3 Miniaturized Demand Assigned Multiple Access [Mini-
DAMA] will provide for secure voice communications. Mini-DAMA provides
for the transmission, reception, and decryption of OTCIXS data and the
subsequent routing of that data to the OASIS III TDP.
• The AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System [MWS] is a passive electro-optical
system designed to detect surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. Upon detection
of an incoming missile, the MWS will report the impending threat to the
Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS).
 • The AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System [CMDS] will be used
for dispensing flares, chaff, non-programmable expendable jammers, and
programmable jammers.
• The AN/ALR-66C(V)3 Electronic Support Measures Set provides all the same
features as an AN/ALR-66B(V)3 ESM Set. However, the ALR-66C(V)3 Set
incorporates the AS-105 spinning DF antenna and the Operational Flight
Program is modified to accommodate this configuration difference. Also
included is the EP-2060 Pulse Analyzer, an upgrade to the ULQ-16.

NATO's Operation Allied Force marked the combat debut of the P-3C Antisurface
Warfare Improvement Program (AIP). The Mediterranean maritime patrol force for
these operations included ten P-3Cs, five of the AIP variant, and 14 crews from Patrol
Squadrons 1, 4, 5 and 10 from Naval Air Stations Whidbey Island, Barbers Point,
Jacksonville and Brunswick, respectively. On March 22, two days before the start of
hostilities, P-3C AIP aircraft began flying around-the-clock armed force protection
surveillance flights in the Adriatic Sea in direct support of afloat Tomahawk Land
Attack Missile (TLAM) shooting ships. For the next 94 days, Maritime Patrol Aircraft
(MPA) provided 100 percent of the Surface Combat Air Patrols (SUCAP) for the USS
Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Battle Group and other allied ships operating in the area.
This marked the first time surface combat air patrols during actual combat operations
have been performed exclusively by non-carrier organic aircraft.

CTF-67 AIP-equipped P-3�s were able to directly observe commercial contraband

ships as well as Yugoslav boats and ships moored at coastal sites and underway. The
images were downlinked to the USS Theodore Roosevelt battle group commander,
giving the battle group an unprecedented real-time and near real-time view of the
tactical situation. In all, CTF-67 aircraft detected and reported over 3,500 surface
contacts. In another first, AIP-equipped P-3�s fired a total of 14 Standoff Land
Attack Missiles (SLAMs) at Serb targets. Because of the P-3�s ability to stay on-
station for hours at a time, battle group commanders had the flexibility to hit mobile
targets on short notice. This in-flight planning/re-targeting ability for SLAM strikes
validated the importance of the P-3�s strike role.

The Counter Drug Update Equipment update is a Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
identified urgent requirement to equip a limited number of active and reserve P-3C
Update III Aircraft with a RORO capability to install all or selected systems to
counter narcotic trafficking operations. Counter Drug Update systems include:

• Air-to-Air Radar System AN/APG-66

• EOSS AN/AVX-1(V)1
• Project Rigel Communications Equipment
ECP-315 addresses the design, manufacture, and installation of aircraft wiring
provisions for AFC-563 kits in 32 aircraft (18 active and 14 reserves). Ten active and
five reserve RORO kits are provided for AN/AVX-1 and 10 RORO kits for AN/APG-
66 (active duty aircraft only). ECP-391, Project Rigel, addressed the design,
manufacture, and installation of aircraft wiring provision kits in 18 active aircraft and
eight RORO kits.

The Sustained Readiness Program (SRP) provides for the preemptive replacement
of airframe components and systems identified as having potential for significant
impact on future aircraft availability because of excessive time to repair,
obsolescence, component manufacturing lead time, or cost impact. The SRP kit is
comprised of a set of core installations and repairs that must be performed on each
aircraft and a set of conditional installations and repairs. The need for the conditional
installations and repairs will be determined by inspections performed on each aircraft
as it is inducted. In addition, the fuel quantity system will be replaced with a Digital
Fuel Quantity System (DFQS). The first SRP aircraft underwent modification and was
completed in first quarter FY97.

The Electronic Flight Display System (EFDS) is an updated version of the Flight
Display System (FDS). It is defined as the flight instrument, associated controls, and
its interface to the aircraft, and is designed to provide the pilot, co-pilot, or
Navigation/Communication (NAV/COMM) Officer with a comprehensive,
unambiguous presentation of navigation information adequate for both worldwide
tactical and non-tactical navigation. The display unit uses a flat panel domestic Active
Matrix Liquid Crystal Display (AMLCD). The FDS functionally replaces the P-3
electro-mechanical Horizontal Situation Indicator (ID-1540/A), electro-mechanical
Flight Director Indicators (FDI) (ID-1556), selected functions of the Navigation
Availability Advisory Lights, and integrates GPS navigation with the flight
instruments. Additional information such as navigational aid waypoint locations, GPS
annunciation, and FDS status pages are also displayed.

Due to the high operational expense of the Inertial Navigation Unit currently installed,
a Replacement Inertial Navigation Unit (RINU) has become necessary. The RINU
will be installed coincidental with the EFDS and training will be developed to include
both systems.

The Navy periodically conducts service life assessment programs to reevaluate its
fatigue damage accrual estimate, flight hour limits, and operational availability and
reliability. Based on these assessments, the P-3's service life limit has increased from
7,500 flight hours to 20,000. Over the years, the Navy found that P-3 flying patterns
were not as severe as had been assumed. The original limit was based on conservative
assumptions about in-flight stresses (e.g. maneuvers and payload), while the higher
limit reflected actual operating experience and more modern analysis of the original
fatigue test data. The Navy periodically reevaluates flight hour limits, or, more
accurately, the fatigue damage accrual rate from which it derives flight hour limits.
Preliminary analysis in the early 1990s indicated that the 20,000 hour limit for the P-3
could be extended to 24,000 hours or more, which represents an additional 6 years of
service life at current usage rates. The extension may be lessened if other factors such
as corrosion or cost of operation and maintenance become unmanageable. Using the
Navy's retirement projection methodology and assuming a 24,000 Right hour limit,
the fleet size would remain at 249 aircraft through the decade and drop to 239 by
fiscal year 2005.
On 12 March 1999 Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, Marietta GA, was
awarded a $30,205,495 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to conduct Phase II and III of
the service life assessment program (SLAP) being conducted for the P-3C aircraft.
The primary purpose of the SLAP is to assess the fatigue life and damage tolerance
characteristics of the P-3C airframe, and to identify structural modifications required
in an effort to attain the 2015 service life goal.

Specifications
Primary Function Antisubmarine warfare(ASW)/Anti-surface warfare
(ASUW)
Contractor Lockheed
P-3A P-3B (L) P-3B (H) P-3C
Date Deployed August 1962 August 1969
Power Plant Four T56-A- Four T56-A-14
10 Allison turbo prop
Allison turbo 4,600 horsepower each
prop
4,300
horsepower
each
Maximum gross weight 127,500 lbs 127,500 lbs 139,760 lbs 139,760 lbs
Endurance 10-13 hr 10-13 hr 10-13 hr 10-13 hr
Crew composition 5 - minimum flight crew
11 - normal crew
21 - maximum accommodation
Cruise speed (average) 330 knots 330 knots 330 knots 330 knots
Fuel capacity 60,000 lbs 60,000 lbs 60,000 lbs 60,000 lbs
(approximate)
Fuel consumption (lb/hr) 4000-5000 4000-5000 4000-5000 4000-5000
 Unit Cost $36 million
(FY 1987)
Armament up to around 20,000 pounds (9 metric tons) internal and
external loads
Bomb Bay:
8 MK 46/50 Torpedoes
8 MK 54 Depth Bombs
3 MK 36/52 1000 lb Mines
3 MK 57 Depth Bombs
2 MK 101 Depth Bombs
1 MK 25/39/55/56 2000 lb Mine
Two Center-Section Pylons:
2 Harpoon (AGM-84)
2 Maverick (AGM 65)
2 MK 46/50 Torpedoes
2 2000 lb Mines
Three Under Outer Wing Pylons,
[Per Wing -Inboard to Outboard):
2 MK 46/50 Torpedo or 1000 lb Mine
2 MK 46/50 Torpedo or 1000 lb Mine or Rockets
2 MK 46/50 Torpedo or 500 lb Mine or Rockets
A total maximum weapon load includes
6 2,000 lb mines under wings
2 MK 101 depth bombs
4 MK 50 torpedoes
87 sonobuoys
pyrotechnics, signals,
P-3C TECHNICAL DATA: Internal Dimensions

External Dimensions Cabin, excl flight deck and electrical

load center:
Wing span 30.37 m 21.06
Length
Wing chord (at root) 5.77 m m
Wing chord (at tip) 2.31 m Maximum width 3.30 m
Wing aspect ratio 7:5 Maximum height 2.29 m
Length overall 35.61 m Floor area m2
Height overall 10.27 m 120.6
Volume
m
Fuselage diameter 3.45 m
Tailplane span 13.06 m Areas

Wheel Track (c/l shock absorbers) 9.50 m

Wings, gross 3120.77 m2
Wheel base 9.07 m
Propeller diameter 4.11 m Ailerons (totals) 8.36 m2
Cabin door (height) 1.83 m Trailing-edge flaps (total) 19.32 m2
Cabin door (width) 0.69 m Fin, including dorsal fin 10.78 m2
Rudder, including tab 5.57 m2
Tailplane 22.39 m2
Elevators, including tabs 7.53 m2
Weights and Loadings Performance

Weight empty 27,890 kg P-3B/C at maximum T-O

weight (except where indicated
Maximum fuel weight 28,350 kg
otherwise):
Maximum expendable load 9,071 kg
Maximum level speed at 4,575 411 knots
Maximum normal T-O weight 61,235 kg meters at AUW of 47,625 kg
Design zero-fuel weight 35,017 kg Econ cruising speed at 7,620 m 328 knots
Maximum landing weight 47,119 kg at AUW of 48,895 kg

Maximum wing loading 507.0 kg/m Rate of

Patrol speed at 457 m at AUW
climb at 457
Maximum power loading 4.18 kg/kW of 49,895 kg
m
Time to 7,620 meters 594 min.
Service ceiling 30 min.
Service ceiling , OEI 8,625 meters
T-O run 5,790 meters
T-O to 15 miles 1,290 meters
Landing from 15 meters at 1,673 meters
design landing weight 1,673
meters
Mission radius (3 h on station 845 nautical
at 457 m; 1,500 ft) miles
1,345
Maximum mission radius (no
nautical
time on station) at 61,235 kg
miles
2,070
Ferry range nautical
miles
Maximum endurance at 4,575 17 h 12 min
meters on two engines
 Maximum endurance at 4,575 12 h 20 min
meters on four engines

Sources and Resources

• Navy Training System Plan (NTSP) for the P-3C Update III Anti-Surface
Warfare Improvment Program Aircraft, July 1998
• P-3C SERVICE LIFE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM PHASES II AND
III STATEMENT OF WORK Revision G, dated 28 October 1998 N00019-98-
R-0012
• Orion makes first SLAM-guided launch Tester October 31, 1996 - A Naval
Force Aircraft Test Squadron P-3C Orion from the Naval Air Warfare Center
Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) at Patuxent River delivered the first guided
launch of a Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM) from a P-3C aircraft.
• P-3 Orion crews head for Lajes as new training schedule begins, By Scott
Schonauer, Stars and Stripes, 13 December 2000 -- Last week, four P-3 planes
and about 115 pilots and support personnel from two squadrons flew to Lajes to
practice with the USS Harry S. Truman as it cruised toward the Mediterranean
with its armada of ships and submarines.
 • U-S Plane China, Voice of America, 01 April 2001 -- The Bush administration
says it expects Beijing to return a Navy surveillance plane that collided with a
Chinese jet and made an emergency landing in China.
• China - U-S Jet , Voice of America, 01 April 2001 -- China is saying a U-S
Navy plane caused a collision with one of its military aircraft off the country's
southern coast.
• Chinese Fighter Aircraft Intercept American Plane, U.S. Department of
Defense, 01 April 2001 -- At approximately 8:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time,
Saturday, March 31, (9:15 a.m. Sunday local time in China) in international
waters, a U.S. Navy EP-3 maritime patrol aircraft on a routine surveillance
mission over the South China Sea, was intercepted by two People's Republic of
China fighter aircraft...
• Navy Admiral Describes Aircraft Incident In South China Sea, U.S.
Department of Defense, 01 April 2001 -- A briefing by Admiral Dennis C.
Blair, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command, regarding the collision of a
Chinese fighter aircraft with a United States EP-3.
• The U.S. Navy's P-3C ORION The Hunter
• P-3 Orion @ LockMart
• Patrol Squadron THIRTY "Pro's Nest" Maritime Patrol Fleet Replacement
Squadron
• VPNavy Patrol Squadrons
• ASW Patrol Aircraft Mission Profile By J. E. McNulla, Capt USN (ret), former
CO of VP-56

https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/p-3.htm

Design[edit]

Rolls Royce Allison T56-A-14 engine with Hamilton Standard 54H60-77 propeller

The P-3 has an internal bomb bay under the front fuselage which can house conventional Mark 50
torpedoes or Mark 46 torpedoes and/or special (nuclear) weapons. Additional underwing stations, or
pylons, can carry other armament configurations including the AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84E SLAM,
AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER, the AGM-65 Maverick, 127 millimetres (5.0 in) Zuni rockets, and various
other sea mines, missiles, and gravity bombs. The aircraft also had the capability to carry the AGM-
12 Bullpup guided missile until that weapon was withdrawn from U.S./NATO/Allied service.[14]
The P-3 is equipped with a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) in the extended tail. This instrument is
able to detect the magnetic anomaly of a submarine in the Earth's magnetic field. The limited range
of this instrument requires the aircraft to be near the submarine at low altitude. Because of this, it is
primarily used for pinpointing the location of a submarine immediately prior to a torpedo or depth
bomb attack. Due to the sensitivity of the detector, electromagnetic noise can interfere with it, so the
detector is placed in P-3's fiberglass tail stinger (MAD boom), far from other electronics and ferrous
metals on the aircraft.[15]

Crew complement[edit]
The crew complement varies depending on the role being flown, the variant being operated, and the
country that is operating the type. In U.S. Navy service, the normal crew complement was 12 until it
was reduced to its current complement of 11 in the early 2000s when the in-flight ordnanceman
(ORD) position was eliminated as a cost-savings measure and the ORD duties assumed by the in-
flight technician (IFT).[1] Data for U.S. Navy P-3C only.
Officers:

• three Naval Aviators

o Patrol Plane Commander (PPC)
o Patrol Plane 2nd Pilot (PP2P)
o Patrol Plane 3rd Pilot (PP3P)
• two Naval Flight Officers
o Patrol Plane Tactical Coordinator (PPTC or TACCO)
o Patrol Plane Navigator/Communicator (PPNC or NAVCOM)
NOTE: NAVCOM on P-3C only; USN P-3A and P-3B series had an NFO Navigator (TACNAV) and
an enlisted Airborne Radio Operator (RO)
Enlisted Aircrew:

• two enlisted Aircrew Flight Engineers (FE1 and FE2)

• three enlisted Sensor Operators
o Radar/MAD/EWO (SS-3)
o two Acoustic (SS-1 and SS-2)
• one enlisted In-Flight Technician (IFT)
• one enlisted Aviation Ordnanceman (ORD position no longer used on USN crews; duties
assumed by IFT.)
The senior of either the PPC or TACCO will be designated as the aircraft Mission Commander (MC).

Engine loiter shutdown

Once on station, one engine is often shut down (usually the No. 1 engine – the left outer engine) to
conserve fuel and extend the time aloft and/or range when at low level. It is the primary candidate for
loiter shutdown because it has no generator. Eliminating the exhaust from engine 1 also improves
visibility from the aft observer station on the left side of the aircraft.
On occasion, both outboard engines can be shut down, weight, weather, and fuel permitting. Long
deep-water, coastal or border patrol missions can last over 10 hours and may include extra crew.
The record time aloft for a P-3 is 21.5 hours, undertaken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 5
Squadron in 1972.
Operational history[edit]
United States[edit]
Developed during the Cold War, the P-3's primary mission was to track Soviet Navy ballistic
missile and fast attack submarines and to eliminate them in the event of full-scale war. At its height,
the U.S. Navy's P-3 community consisted of twenty-four active duty "Fleet" patrol squadrons home
based at air stations in the states of Florida and Hawaii as well as bases which formerly had P-3
operations in Maryland, Maine, and California. There were also thirteen Naval Reserve patrol
squadrons identical to their active duty "Fleet" counterparts, said Reserve "Fleet" squadrons being
based in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts (later relocated to Maine),
Illinois, Tennessee, Louisiana, California and Washington. Two Fleet Replacement Squadrons
(FRS), also called "RAG" squadrons (from the historic "Replacement Air Group" nomenclature) were
located in California and Florida. The since-deactivated VP-31 in California provided P-3 training for
the Pacific Fleet, while VP-30 in Florida performed the task for the Atlantic Fleet. These squadrons
were also augmented by a test and evaluation squadron in Maryland, two additional test and
evaluation units that were part of an air development center in Pennsylvania and a test center in
California, an oceanographic development squadron in Maryland, and two active duty "special
projects" units in Maine and Hawaii, the latter being slightly smaller than a typical squadron.
Reconnaissance missions in international waters led to occasions where Soviet fighters would
"bump" a P-3, either operated by the U.S. Navy or other operators such as the Royal Norwegian Air
Force. On 1 April 2001, a midair collision between a United States Navy EP-3E ARIES II signals
surveillance aircraft and a People's Liberation Army Navy J-8II jet fighter-interceptor resulted in an
international dispute between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China (PRC).[16]
More than 40 combatant and noncombatant P-3 variants have demonstrated the rugged reliability
displayed by the platform flying 12-hour plus missions 200 ft (61 m) over salt water while maintaining
an excellent safety record. Versions have been developed for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) for research and hurricane hunting/hurricane wall busting, for the U.S.
Customs Service (now U.S. Customs and Border Protection) for drug interdiction and aerial
surveillance mission with a rotodome adapted from the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye or an AN/APG-
66 radar adapted from the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, and for NASA for research and
development.
The U.S. Navy remains the largest P-3 operator, currently distributed between a single fleet
replacement (i.e., "training") patrol squadron in Florida (VP-30), 12 active duty patrol squadrons
distributed between bases in Florida, Washington and Hawaii, two Navy Reserve patrol squadrons in
Florida and Washington, one active duty special projects patrol squadron (VPU-2) in Hawaii, and two
active duty test and evaluation squadrons. One additional active duty fleet reconnaissance squadron
(VQ-1) operates the EP-3 Aries signals intelligence (SIGINT) variant at Naval Air Station Whidbey
Island, Washington.
In January 2011, the U.S. Navy revealed that P-3s have been used to hunt down "third
generation" narco subs.[17] This is significant because as recently as July 2009, fully submersible
submarines have been used in smuggling operations.[18] As of November 2013, the US Navy began
phasing out the P-3 in favor of the newer and more advanced Boeing P-8 Poseidon.

In Cuba[edit]
Main article: Cuban Missile Crisis

In October 1962, P-3A aircraft flew several blockade patrols in the vicinity of Cuba. Having just
recently joined the operational Fleet earlier that year, this was the first employment of the P-3 in a
real world "near conflict" situation.
In Vietnam[edit]
Main article: Operation Market Time

Beginning in 1964, forward deployed P-3 aircraft began flying a variety of missions under Operation
Market Time from bases in the Philippines and Vietnam. The primary focus of these coastal patrols
was to stem the supply of materials to the Viet Cong by sea, although several of these missions also
became overland "feet dry" sorties. During one such mission, a small caliber artillery shell passed
through a P-3 without rendering it mission incapable. The only confirmed combat loss of a P-3 also
occurred during Operation Market Time. In April 1968, a U.S. Navy P-3B of VP-26 was downed by
anti-aircraft fire in the Gulf of Thailand with the loss of the entire crew. Two months earlier, in
February 1968, another one of VP-26's P-3B aircraft was operating in the same vicinity when it
crashed with the loss of the entire crew. Originally attributed to an aircraft mishap at low altitude,
later conjecture is that this aircraft may have also fallen victim to AAA fire from the same source as
the April incident.[19]

In Iraq[edit]
Main articles: Operation Desert Shield (Gulf War), Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom

On 2 August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait and was poised to strike Saudi Arabia. Within 48 hours of
the initial invasion, U.S. Navy P-3C aircraft were among the first American forces to arrive in the
area. One was a modified platform with a prototype system known as "Outlaw Hunter". Undergoing
trials in the Pacific after being developed by Tiburon Systems, Inc. for NAVAIR's PMA-290 Program
Office, "Outlaw Hunter" was testing a specialized over-the-horizon targeting (OTH-T) system
package when it 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 move
from Basra and Umm Qasr 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 infrared imaging detected a ship with Iraqi markings beneath freshly-
painted bogus Egyptian markings trying to avoid detection. Several days before the 7 January 1991
commencement of Operation Desert Storm, a P-3C equipped with an APS-137 Inverse Synthetic
Aperture Radar (ISAR) conducted coastal surveillance along Iraq and Kuwait to provide pre-strike
reconnaissance on enemy military installations. A total of 55 of the 108 Iraqi vessels destroyed
during the conflict were targeted by P-3C aircraft.[20]
The P-3 Orion's mission expanded in the late 1990s and early 2000s to
include battlespace surveillance both at sea and over land. The long range and long loiter time of the
P-3 Orion have proved to be an invaluable asset during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation
Enduring Freedom. It can instantaneously provide information about the battlespace it can see to
ground troops, particularly the U.S. Marines.[1]

In Afghanistan[edit]
Main article: War in Afghanistan (2001–present)

Although the P-3 is a Maritime Patrol Aircraft, armament and sensor upgrades in the Anti-surface
Warfare Improvement Program (AIP)[21] have made it suitable for sustained combat air support over
land.[21] In what became known as the "Decade in the Desert", Navy P-3C crews patrolled combat
zones in the middle east and southwest Asia.[22] Since the start of the current war in Afghanistan,
U.S. Navy P-3 aircraft have been operating from Kandahar in that role.[23] Royal Australian Air Force
AP-3C Orions operated out of Minhad Air Base in the UAE from 2003 until their withdrawal in
November 2012. During the period 2008–2012, the AP-3C Orions conducted overland intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance tasks in support of coalition troops throughout Afghanistan.[24]
The United States Geological Survey used the Orion to survey parts of southern and eastern
Afghanistan for lithium, copper, and other mineral deposits.[25]

In Libya[edit]
Main article: 2011 Libyan civil war

Several U.S. Navy P-3C Orions, and two Canadian CP-140 Auroras, a variant of the Orion, have
participated in maritime surveillance missions over Libyan waters in the framework of enforcement of
the 2011 no-fly zone over Libya.[26][27]
A U.S. Navy P-3C Orion supporting Operation Odyssey Dawn engaged the Libyan coast guard
vessel Vittoria on 28 March 2011 after the vessel and eight smaller craft fired on merchant ships in
the port of Misrata, Libya. The Orion fired AGM-65 Maverick missiles on Vittoria, which was
subsequently beached.[28]

Iran[edit]

A U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat escorts an Iranian P-3F Orion over the Indian Ocean – 1981

Lockheed produced the P-3F variant of the P-3 Orion, for Iran. Six examples were delivered to the
former Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) in 1975 and 1976.
Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Orions continued in service, after the IIAF was
renamed the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). They were used in the Tanker War phase of
the Iran–Iraq War and were operated by one of the most successful squadrons of the IRIAF during
that conflict. A total of four P-3Fs remain in service.

Pakistan[edit]

A Pakistan Navy P-3C Orion in Quetta, in October 2010

Three P-3C Orions, delivered to the Pakistan Navy in 1996 and 1997 were operated extensively
during the Kargil conflict. After the crash of one, the type was grounded due to the loss of an entire
crew; nonetheless, the aircraft were maintained in an armed state and airworthy condition
throughout the escalation period of 2001 and 2002. In 2007, they were used by the navy to conduct
signals intelligence, airborne and bombing operations in a Swat offensive and Operation Rah-e-Nijat.
Precision and strategic bombing missions were carried out by the Orions, and in 2007, intelligence
management operations were conducted against Taliban and al-Qaeda operatives.[29]
On 22 May 2011, two out of the four Pakistani P-3Cs were destroyed in an attack on PNS Mehran, a
Pakistani Naval station in Karachi.[30] The Pakistani fleet had been readily used in overland, counter-
insurgency operations. In June 2011, the U.S. agreed to replace the destroyed aircraft with two new
ones, with delivery to follow later.[31] In February 2012, the U.S. delivered two additional P-3C Orion
aircraft to the Pakistan Navy.[32]

In Somalia[edit]

A U.S. Navy P-3C Orion monitoring the hijacking of MV Maersk Alabama, 2009

Main article: Piracy in Somalia

The Spanish Air Force deployed P-3s to assist the international effort against piracy in Somalia. On
29 October 2008, a Spanish P-3 aircraft patrolling the coast of Somalia reacted to a distress call
from an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden. To deter the pirates, the aircraft flew over the pirates three
times as they attempted to board the tanker, dropping a smoke bomb on each pass. After the third
pass, the attacking pirate boats broke off their attack.[33] Later, on 29 March 2009, the same P-3
pursued the assailants of the German navy tanker Spessart (A1442), resulting in the capture of the
pirates.[34]
In April 2011, the Portuguese Air Force also contributed to Operation Ocean Shield by sending a P-
3C[35] which had early success when on its fifth mission detected a pirate whaler with two attack
skiffs.[36]
Since 2009 the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has deployed P-3s to Djibouti for anti-piracy
patrols,[37][38][39] from 2011 from its own base.[40] As well the German Navy is contributing assets
against piracy with one P-3 from time to time.

Civilian uses[edit]

Aero Union P-3A Orion taking off from Fox Field, Lancaster, California, to fight the North Fire

Several P-3 aircraft have been N-registered and are operated by civilian agencies. The US Customs
and Border Protection has a number of P-3A and P-3B aircraft that are used for aircraft intercept and
maritime patrol. NOAA operates two WP-3D variants specially modified for hurricane research. One
P-3B, N426NA, is used by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an Earth
science research platform, primarily for the NASA Science Mission Directorate's Airborne Science
Program. It is based at Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.
Aero Union, Inc. operated eight secondhand P-3A aircraft configured as air tankers, which were
leased to the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and
other agencies for firefighting use. Several of these aircraft were involved in the U.S. Forest Service
airtanker scandal but have not been involved in any catastrophic aircraft mishaps. Aero Union has
since gone bankrupt, and their P-3s have been put up for auction.[41]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_P-3_Orion