Boeing- Sticks to schedule

Neelam Mathews

Aug 31, 2012

It was on January 1, 2009, the Government of India signed a contract with Boeing Defense, Space & Security to purchase eight P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and antisubmarine aircraft. The P-8I celebrated its first flight in Seattle in September 2011. Delivery of the first aircraft scheduled for 2013, may now be made around Dec 18, 2012, Aerospace Diary learns, but could not confirm.

Boeing had said it would deliver the first P-8I within 48 months of contract signing, and the remaining seven by 2015.The P-8I is an India-unique variant of the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon and offers India the full range of maritime surveillance and patrol missions.

HAL is currently contracted to manufacture the P-8I weapons bay door, tailcone, and IFFT, and the F/A-18 gun bay door and wiring harnesses. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has delivered the Indian-designed Data Link II for the P-8I, a communications system that will enable exchange of tactical data and messages between the Indian Navy aircraft, ships and shore establishments. 

BEL has also delivered the Identification Friend or Foe Interrogator (IFFI), a battle management system that will enable P-8I aircraft to distinguish friendly aircraft and forces. Finally, BEL is on contract to provide F/A-18 cockpit panels and has already started delivering on that contract, says Boeing.