- Lockheed P-3 Orion variants
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Lockheed EP-3 ARIES.
The following is an extensive catalogue of the variants and specific unique elements of each variant and/or design stage of the Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft. For a broader article on the history of the P-3, see P-3 Orion.
P-3A and Variants
- P-3A: The original production version; 157 built.
- P-3A (CS): Four P-3A aircraft were reequipped with AN/APG-66 radars for use by the United States Customs Service.
- EP-3A: Seven modified for electronic reconnaissance testing.
- NP-3A: Three modified for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
- RP-3A: Two modified for scientific uses for the former Oceanographic Development Squadron EIGHT (VXN-8) at NAS Patuxent River.
- TP-3A: 12 modified for training duties in Fleet Replacement Squadrons with all ASW gear removed.
- UP-3A: 38 reconfigured as utility transports with all the ASW gear removed.
- VP-3A: Three WP-3A and two P-3A aircraft converted into VIP/staff transports.
- WP-3A: Four converted for weather reconnaissance.
P-3B and Variants
- P-3B: Second main production version/series T56-A14 engines in lieu of T56-A10W engines on P-3A.
- P-3AM: Modification to P-3B model for the Brazilian Air Force. Twelve aircraft with EADS/CASA avionics, with deliveries to the Brazilian AF beginning on 3 December 2010.[1][2]
- EP-3B: Least known of all P-3 family. 3 P-3A(149669, 149673, 149678) were obtained by CIA from US Navy under Project STSPIN in May 1963, as the replacement aircraft for CIA's own covert operation fleet of RB-69A/P2V-7U. Converted by Aerosystems Division of LTV at Greenville, Texas, the 3 P-3A were simply known as "black" P-3A under Project Axial. Officially transferred from US Navy to CIA on June/July 1964, LTV Aerosystems converted the 3 aircraft to be both ELINT and COMINT platform. First of 3 "black" P-3A arrived in Taiwan and officially transferred to ROCAF's top secret "Black Bat" Squadron on June 22, 1966. Armed with 4 Sidewinder short range AAM missiles for self defense, the 3 "black" P-3A flew peripheral missions along the China coast to collect SIGINT and air samples. When the project was terminated in January 1967, all 3 "black" P-3A were flown to NAS Alameda, CA, for long term storage. 2 of the 3 aircraft(149669 and 149678) were converted into the only 2 EP-3B examples in existence in the world by Lockheed at Burbank in September 1967, while the third aircraft(149673) were converted by Lockheed in 1969-1970 to serve as a development aircraft for various electronic programs. The 2 EP-3B were known as "Bat Rack", owning to their short period of service with Taiwan's "Black Bat" Squadron, were issued to US Navy's VQ-1 Squadron in 1969 and deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam. Later, the 2 EP-3B were converted to EP-3E ARIES, along with 7 EP-3A. The 2 EP-3E retired in 1980s, when replaced by 12 EP-3E ARIES II.[3]
- NP-3B: One P-3B converted into a testbed, for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
P-3C and Variants
- P-3C: Third main production version/series. T56-A14 engines. P-3C had A-NEW ASW suite and mission computer. Revised internal layout. Externally P-3C featured electrically operated entry ladder, small fin-top antenna, externally loaded belly sonobuoy chutes, 3 small windows on the aft right side (one window forward of the overwing emergency exit and two well aft). Initial production aircraft had camera nose located on lower part of radome. Later production aircraft had retractable IRDS turret in lieu of nose camera. Beginning in the early 1980s existing camera noses were retrofitted with IRDS turrets. Also known as P-3C "Baseline" or Non-Update (NUD) aircraft. All aircraft later retrofitted with LTN-72 inertial navigation system.
- P-3C Update I: New and improved avionics, 31 built.
- P-3C Update II: With infra-red detection system (IRDS), sonobuoy reference system (SRS), and ability to carry the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile; 44 built.
- P-3C Update II.5: 24 aircraft with more reliable LTN-72 inertial navigation system and enhanced communications equipment.
- P-3C SUDS:
- P-3C Update III: 50 aircraft with new acoustic processor, sonobuoy receiver, plasma displays, and improved auxiliary power unit (APU).
- P-3C Update IV: P-3C with Boeing Update 4 avionics suite. Update 4 was intended to be the common avionics interior for the P-3C aircraft and its planned replacement, the Lockheed P-7A, which never made it to production. One P-3C was converted to the UD4 interior and that aircraft was later stripped and turned into a Special Mission aircraft.
- P-3C AIP {Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program} (US) P-3C Update III with interior modification to add ASQ-222 mission computer, ASQ-78A/B acoustics system, APS-137 ISAR radar[4]
- P-3C UIP {Upgrade Improvement Program} (RNoAF) P-3C with interior modification to add ASQ-222 mission computer, ASQ-78A/B acoustics system, APS-137 ISAR radar[5]
- P-3C BMUP {Update III Block Modification Upgrade Program} (US) 25 aircraft with interior modification to convert selected NUD, UD2 and UD2.5 to carry ASQ-227 mission computer and ASQ-78B acoustics suite[6]
- P-3C CUP {Capability Upkeep Program} CUP (RNLN) P-3C with interior modification to convert UD2.5 to carry ASQ-227 mission computer and ASQ-78B acoustics suite[7]; all aircraft relinquished by Royal Netherlands Navy in 2005 due to budget cuts and subsequnetly sold to/operated by the German Navy (eight aircraft) and the Portuguese Air Force (five aircraft)
- EP-3: ELINT aircraft for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
- NP-3C: One P-3C converted into a testbed for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
- RP-3C: One P-3C modified to replace the RP-3A.
- OP-3C: 10 P-3C converted to reconnaissance aircraft for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
- UP-3C: Equipment test aircraft for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
UP-3D
ELINT training aircraft for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.p
RP-3D
One P-3C modified on production line to optimize MAD capabilities. Aircraft did extensive MAD surveys and was painted "Project Magnet". In 1973, an RP-3D was instrumental in pinpointing the wreckage of Civil War ironclad USS Monitor.
WP-3D
NOAA WP-3D Hurricane HuntersMain article: WP-3D OrionThe Lockheed WP-3D Orion is a production line variant of the P-3 Orion used by the Aircraft Operations Center division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Only two of these craft exist, each incorporating numerous features for the role of collecting weather information. During hurricane season, the WP-3Ds are deployed for duty as hurricane hunters.
EP-3E Aries & Aries II
Lockheed EP-3E ARIES II in 2006Main article: Lockheed EP-310 P-3A and 2 EP-3B aircraft converted into ELINT aircraft.
The EP-3E Aries II are 12 P-3C aircraft converted into ELINT aircraft.
EP-3E SIGINT
Eight US Navy EP-3E aircraft are to be converted by L-3 Communications Integrated Systems into "surge configuration" Signals Intelligence aircraft. This will expand their multi-source intelligence capacity to meet the increased intelligence demands of the "surge" in counter-terrorism operations.[8]
NP-3E
Various aircraft used for tests.
P-3F
Six Orions delivered to the former Imperial Iranian Air Force in the late 1970s. The airframe of the P-3F was based on the P-3C was which the then current production variant for the U.S.Navy. The P-3F and P-3C featured electrically operated entry ladder, externally loaded belly sonobuoy chutes, 3 small windows on the aft right side (one window forward of the overwing emergency exit and two well aft), camera nose located on lower part of radome. Unlike production the P-3C and CP-140/140A, the P-3F lacked the small fin-top UHF antenna. The P-3F did not have ASW suite or mission computer of the P-3C. Most of the displays and processors were adapted from the P-3A/P-3B (although the P-3F had the APS-115 radar of the P-3C) The P-3F came from the factory with the then-standard gray and white U.S Navy paint scheme, but while crews were undergoing training in the U.S., the aircraft were repainted in a unique 3-tone blue paint scheme; three aircraft still operational with the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.
P-3G
Original designation of the Lockheed P-7A.
P-3H
Proposed P-3C upgrade.
EP-3J
Two P-3A aircraft modified for FEWSG use as a simulated adversary EW platform in exercises; later transferred to the former Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Thirty-Three (VAQ-33), then transferred to the former Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Eleven (VQ-11) of the Navy Reserve.
P-3K & P-3K2
five aircraft originally of P-3B standard but subsequently updated, delivered to New Zealand in 1965-67, replacing Short Sunderlands. The original P-3B aircraft were operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF from Whenuapai, Auckland. These received part of the P-3C Update II package and some local innovations, then being designated P-3K (for Kiwi), together with a P-3B purchased second hand from the Royal Australian Air Force and brought up to P-3K standard.
P-3K2: Upgraded P-3K, all 6 aircraft were re-winged and underwent a further round of avionics and sensor updates in 2005[9].
P-3M
Five former RNoAF P-3B modernized by EADS-CASA for the Spanish AF. They have a new sensor suite integrated by a six console EADS-CASA Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS)data system. New sensors include an Elta-2022 radar, SPAS-16 acoustic processor, new 99-channel sonobuoy receiver and AMES-C ESM system. Only the original MAD system was kept.
P-3N
Two P-3B modified for coast guard missions for the RNoAF.
P-3P
Six ex-RAAF originally of P-3B standard but subsequently updated for the Portuguese Air Force. Being replaced by newer P-3C Update II.5s (P-3C CUP) formerly operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy.
P-3T & VP-3T
The P-3T is two P-3As modified for Royal Thai Navy.
The VP-3T is a single P-3A modified for Royal Thai Navy VIP use and some surveillance operations.
P-3W
Designation used internally by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to distinguish the first 10 P-3C aircraft procured in the P-3C Update 2 configuration (1978–79) from the second 10 aircraft which were procured in the Update 2.5 configuration (1982–83). The older aircraft were designated as P-3C and the newer aircraft P-3W. All were equipped with the British AQS-901 Acoustics Processor. Eventually with various system upgrades to the mission systems the two types merged into one and they are now all known as AP-3C.
AP-3C & TAP-3C
The underbelly of an AP-3CMain article: AP-3C OrionThe Lockheed AP-3C Orion is a variant of the P-3 Orion used by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for tasks such as naval fleet support, maritime surveillance, search and survivor supply and anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. They are fitted with a variety of sensors. They include digital multi-mode radar, electronic support measures, electro-optics detectors (infra-red and visual), magnetic anomaly detectors, identification friend or foe systems, and acoustic detectors. The 18 AP-3C Orions were upgraded from P-3Cs between 1997 and 2005, with the program taking three years longer than expected due to systems integration problems. All 18 AP-3C Orions are operated by No. 92 Wing which is based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. Aircraft from the wing have seen service as part of Australian Defence Force operations in Australia, South East Asia and the Middle East.[10]
All Royal Australian Air Force P-3C/W aircraft which have been fully upgraded with totally new mission systems by L-3 Communications to include an Elta SAR/ISAR RADAR and a GD-Canada Acoustic Processor system.
The TAP-3 is 3 modified B-models for training duties with the Royal Australian Air Force, with all the ASW gear removed and passenger seating installed. Removed from service with the full introduction into service of the AP-3C Simulator. Designator reflected them as being 'Training Australian P-3'
P-3CK
Designation of the eight former P-3B aircraft that the Republic of Korea Navy procured from the USN and which are in the process of being rebuilt with P-3C configuration wings and fitted with updated Mission System Equipment by Korea Aerospace Industries and L-3 Communications.
P-3AEW&C
U.S. Department of Homeland Security P-3AEW&C to track drug couriersOriginally nicknamed "Sentinel". Eight P-3B aircraft were converted into Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. In the early 90s, "Control" was dropped from the official designation along with the corresponding "C", renaming the model "P-3-AEW". This made it more easily differentiated from the E-3-AWACS operated by the U.S.Air Force. The P-3-AEWs are used by Office of CBP Air and Marine for drug interdiction and homeland security missions. "P-3-LRT (Long Range Tracker), previously known as "Slicks", also operated by CBP, are modified P-3 aircraft with an optical sensor turret in the nose and tracking radar which often work with the AEW ships. The mission using both types of aircraft in a single mission is called "Double Eagle"
CP-140 Aurora & CP-140A Arcturus
Canadian CP-140 Aurora in June 2007Main article: CP-140 AuroraThe Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a Royal Canadian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the S-3 Viking. In Greek mythology, Aurora is the Greek goddess who restored Orion's eyesight, and also the Aurora Borealis are the "northern lights" that are prominent over northern Canada and the Arctic Ocean. 18 Built
The CP-140A Arcturus is a related variant used primarily for pilot training and coastal surface patrol missions. Three were built without ASW equipment.
P-7
Main article: Lockheed P-7The Lockheed P-7 was a four turboprop-engined patrol aircraft ordered by the U.S. Navy as a replacement for the P-3 Orion. The external configuration of the aircraft was to be very similar to that of the P-3. Development had not progressed very much before the development was cancelled in early 1990s as a cost cutting measure following the end of the Cold War.
Orion 21
Proposed new-build and improved variant as a P-3 Orion replacement; lost to Boeing P-8 Poseidon.
- ^ Interview with Rainer Hertrich (EADS CEO) in 2003
- ^ Designation as reported by Asas magazine No. 59, São Paulo, Brazil, March 2011, p. 22. Previously reported by this page as a variant of P-3A called P-3BR, but the magazine reports the variant and the aircraft quantity and confirms the EADS/CASA refit.
- ^ Pocock, Chris. The Black Bats: CIA Spy Flights Over China From Taiwan, 1951 - 1969. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, 2010. ISBN 978-0-7643-3513-6.
- ^ http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/corporate/press-kit/P-3C-AIP-Brochure.pdf
- ^ http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/RNoAFP3CUpgradeImprovementProgram/index.html
- ^ http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/P3CUpdateIIIBlockModificationUpgrad/index.html
- ^ http://www.mombu.com/aviation/military-aviation/t-first-p-3c-cup-orion-arrived-at-valkenburg-1814715.html
- ^ Jane's Defence Weekly 14 January 2009
- ^ RNZAF P-3K2 Update
- ^ http://www.raaf.gov.au/aircraft/orion.aspx
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