Mission

The P-3C Orion, a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft, mission includes surveillance of the battlespace, either at sea or over land. Its long-range and long loiter time have proved invaluable assets throughout overseas contingency operations.

Description

The P-3C Orion was the Navy’s frontline, land-based maritime patrol aircraft since the early 1960s carrying advanced submarine detection sensors, Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) equipment along with a mixed payload of weapons internally and on wing pylons.

All active duty patrol squadrons have converted to the P-8A Poseidon. Two reserve squadrons continue to fly the P-3C and will do so until they move to the P-8A with the eventual sundown of the P-3.

Additionally, numerous foreign military sales partners continue to fly the P-3C and remain in service.

Specifications

Primary Function: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-surface Warfare (ASuW)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company
Propulsion: Four Allison T-56-A-14 turboprop engines (4,600 hp, each)
Length: 116.7 feet (35.57 meters)
Height: 33.7 feet (10.27 meters)
Wingspan: 99.6 feet (30.38 meters)
Maximum Gross Takeoff: 139,760 pounds (63,394 kilograms)
Crew: Three pilots, two naval flight officers, two flight engineers, three sensor operators and one in-flight technician
Armament: AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84K SLAM-ER, AGM-65F Maverick missiles, Mk46/50/54 torpedoes, rockets, mines and depth bombs.

Program Status

ACAT: II
Production Phase: Sustainment