| The Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft is based on the Lockheed L-188 Electra airliner, it is of note that the RAF's Nimrod and the French Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft are also based on existing airliners. The first production airframe made it's maiden flight on the 15 of April 1961 and entered service the following year. The Lockheed P-3 Orion, like most other maritime patrol aircraft, has the capability to locate and attack both submarines and surface vessels. Although the P-3 Orion is now quite old, upgrades to it's avionics mean it is still an effective maritime patrol aircraft and consequently remains in service with the armed forces of eighteen nations. Specifications: Lockheed P-3C Orion - Crew: 11
- Length: 116 ft 10 in (35.6 m)
- Wingspan: 99 ft 8 in (30.4 m)
- Height: 33 ft 8.5 in (10.3 m)
- Empty weight: 77,200 lb (35,000 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 142,000 lb (64,400 kg)
- Engines: Four 4,600 shp (3,700 kW) Allison T56-A-14 turboprop
- Maximum speed: 405 kt (750 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 330 kt (610 km/h)
- Range: 5,600 miles
- Service ceiling: 34,000 ft (10,400 m)
Armament: - Bombs: 20,000 lb (9,000 kg)
- Missiles: AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84E SLAM, the Standoff Land Attack Missile, AGM-65 Maverick
- Sonar-buoys: 48
- Torpedoes: MK-46 and MK-50
- Miscellaneous: mines and depth charges
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