The newest Boeing P-8 maritime patrol, reconnaissance aircraft has taken to the skies, bringing the total number of P-8s delivered to 150.

The 150^th multi-mission P-8 will be operated by the US Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) One, based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

“There are now 150 P-8s around the world delivering confidence and an unmatched capability to our global customers,” said Stu Voboril, vice president and programme manager, P-8. “Our focus has been, and will be, on delivering the world’s best maritime patrol aircraft.”

Amassing more than 450,000 mishap-free flight hours, the global P-8 fleet includes 112 aircraft delivered to the US Navy, 12 to Australia, 12 to India, nine to the UK and five to Norway.

The aircraft are designed for anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search and rescue.

The 150 P-8s in service do not include six test aircraft provided to the US Navy during the initial stages of the programme. Boeing tested those aircraft during development to assess capabilities and performance. As development of system enhancements and new technology continues, the test aircraft perform a critical role in ensuring Boeing provides state-of-the-art capabilities to global P-8 customers.

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