20050804ran8165534_079

92 Wing AP-3C Orion flies over Darwin Harbour. 92 Wing deployed three AP-3C Orions there for Exercise Kakadu VII, a joint exercise off the coast of Darwin involving navies and air forces from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and India. (RAN photo by Leading Aircraftman Allan Cooper, HMAS COONAWARRA)

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000-177-216_0026

A AP-3C Orion of 92 Wing releases flares during a trial of electronic warfare self-protection systems by ARDU. (RAAF photo by CPL Pete Gammie, 92 Wing Imagery Section)

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Aircraft Research and Development Unit

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20141004raaf8165233_0184

Four RAAF AP-3C Orions from No. 92 Wing fly in formation over Glenelg, South Australia. RAAF Base Edinburgh’s Number 92 Wing celebrated the 75th anniversary of the formation of Nos 10 and 11 Squadrons by holding a series of events on 3 and 4 October 2014. (RAAF photo by CPL David Gibbs, 28SQN AFID-EDN)

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20141004raaf8165233_0284

Four RAAF AP-3C Orions from No. 92 Wing fly in formation over Glenelg, South Australia. RAAF Base Edinburgh’s Number 92 Wing celebrated the 75th anniversary of the formation of Nos 10 and 11 Squadrons by holding a series of events on 3 and 4 October 2014. (RAAF photo by CPL David Gibbs, 28SQN AFID-EDN)

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20131003raaf8165233_0458

As a lead-up to the RAN’s 100th anniversary fly-past over Sydney harbour, three AP-3C Orions from RAAF base Edinburgh’s No. 92 Wing conducted a practice formation over the multi-national fleet in the Eastern Australian Exercise Area. The International Fleet Review from 3-11 October 2013 commemorated the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet into Sydney on 4 October 1913. Approximately 40 warships from the RAN and navies from around the world as well as 17 tall ships participated in the event. The program included a tall ships parade, warship arrival, aerial fly pasts, ship open days, parades, harbour demonstrations, and a fireworks spectacular. (RAAF photo by CPL David Gibbs, 28SQN AFID-EDN)

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20140331raaf8165233_101

A Republic of Korea Navy P-3C-III+ Orion prepares for another Operation SOUTHERN INDIAN OCEAN sortie?in search of MH370 at RAAF Base Pearce. (RAAF photo by CPL David Gibbs, 28SQN AFID-EDN)

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Lockheed P-3C-III+ Orion
s/n 95-0905
c/n 185-5834
FMS BuNo 165101
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20141013raaf8201782_015

As part of the dismantling process, trestles were positioned under each wing to support them whilst they were separated from the fuselage. (RAAF photo by SGT Mick Bott, 28SQN AFID-EDN)

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20141009raaf8201782_010

A partially-dismantled AP-3C Orion rests on the RAAF Base Edinburgh flightline. (RAAF photo by SGT Mick Bott, 28SQN AFID-EDN)

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20141017raaf8201782_038

The fuselage of Orion A9-663 is loaded onto a truck for transportation to a scrap metal recycling yard. (RAAF photo by SGT Mick Bott, 28SQN AFID-EDN)

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20141017raaf8201782_059

AP-3C Orion A9-663 departs RAAF Base Edinburgh for the last time on its way to a scrap metal yard. (RAAF photo by SGT Mick Bott, 28SQN AFID-EDN)

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20141020raaf8201782_009

AP-3C Orion A9-663 was broken down into small pieces so it could be put through the shredder for recycling. In October 2014, three RAAF AP-3C Orions that had been withdrawn from service were dismantled and recycled. (The other two were A9-755 and A9-758.) (RAAF photo by SGT Mick Bott, 28SQN AFID-EDN)

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Lockheed P-3C-225-LO Orion; redesignated P-3W; upgraded for AP-3C
s/n A9-663
FMS BuNo 162663
c/n 285D-5791

Although externally having most of the items associated with the AP-3C upgrade, it was, in fact, used as a trials aircraft for the development of new systems and was frequently absent from home base. Noted at Edinburgh on 4 October 2014 completely stripped ready for disposal. Transported to scrap yard on 17 October 2014. (Source: )
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P-3W (from Wikipedia): Designation used internally by the RAAF to distinguish the first ten P-3C aircraft procured in the P-3C Update 2 configuration (1978-79) from the second ten aircraft that were procured in the Update 2.5 configuration (1982-83). The older aircraft were designated as P-3C and the newer aircraft as 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.
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20160421adf8160650_056

An RNZAF P-3K Orion prepares for a sortie in support of Exercise Bersama Shield 2016 at RMAF Base Butterworth, Malaysia. (ADF photo by CPL Steve Duncan, 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit)

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Lockheed P-3B Orion; upgraded to P-3K
s/n NZ4202
c/n 185-5192
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A U.S. Navy P-3C Orion lands at RAAF Base Townsville during Exercise Talisman Sabre 05. (ADF photo)

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Lockheed P-3C-110-LO Orion; upgraded to P-3C-IIIR, then to P-3C CDU (“Counter Drug Upgrade”)
BuNo 156515
c/n 285A-5509
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20160713ran8560098_077

Avionics Technicians from 11 Squadron load an AGM-84 Harpoon missile onto an AP-3C Orion aircraft at Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2016. (RAN photo by ABIS Kayla Hayes, Navy Imagery Unit - North)

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20160713ran8560098_098

Avionics Technicians from 11 Squadron load an AGM-84 Harpoon missile onto an AP-3C Orion aircraft at Marine Corps Base Hawaii during RIMPAC 2016. (RAN photo by ABIS Kayla Hayes, Navy Imagery Unit - North)

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Although captioned as an AGM-84,?they're clearly ATM-84J-1 training rounds.
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Hellenic Navy, Lockheed Martin, and HAI Launch Greece's P-3B Orion Modernization and Upgrade Program

ATHENS, July 25, 2016 — The Hellenic Navy, Lockheed Martin, and Hellenic Aerospace Industry hosted a ceremony today at HAI’s facilities here to recognize the official launch of the Hellenic Navy P-3B maritime patrol aircraft modernization and upgrade program.
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On July 13, the first of two Hellenic Navy P-3B Orions were successfully transferred from Elefsis Air Base to HAI’s facilities at Tanagra, Greece, north of Athens. Attending today’s ceremony were leaders representing the Hellenic Defense Ministry, the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, the Hellenic Navy, the Hellenic Air Force, the GDDIA, the U.S. Embassy in Greece, Lockheed Martin, and HAI, as well as local authorities.
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In February 2016, the U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin Aeronautics a not-to-exceed $141.9 million firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract to modernize the P-3B aircraft for the government of Greece.
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“During the current difficult and critical times for Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean, the reconstitution of the operational capabilities of this program is a defense priority for the Ministry and the Hellenic Armed Forces,” said Dimitris Vitsas, the Alternate Minister of National Defense for Greece. “In addition, the government-to-government agreement between Greece and the United States guarantees absolute transparency, fair and reasonable program cost, the participation of the Hellenic Defense Industry, and provides unique operational capabilities for the Hellenic Armed Forces.”
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This contract provides for the reactivation of one Hellenic Navy P-3B aircraft and the procurement of software and hardware kits for the upgrade/modernization for a total of four Hellenic Navy P-3B aircraft. The Mid-Life Upgrade, or MLU, kits will provide an extension of service life by 15,000 flight hours. In addition, this contract provides for phased depot maintenance, a Greece indigenous mission integration and management system, new avionics, and other ancillary hardware and services.
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“The selection of P-3B and its upgrade is the most advantageous solution for the country. With the criterion of fulfilling the operational requirements of the Hellenic Navy, the P-3 with the MLU program through the government agreement of Greece and the USA offers the optimal combination of cost-effectiveness,” said Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff.
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“The Hellenic Navy was deprived the services of a maritime patrol aircraft. The launch of the modernization and upgrade works of the P-3B aircraft of the Hellenic Navy covers an operational requirement of vital importance and this is taking place with the largest possible Greek added value,” commented Vice Admiral George Giakoumakis, chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff.
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The P-3 Orion is the standard for maritime patrol and reconnaissance and is used for homeland security, anti-piracy operations, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, intelligence gathering, antisubmarine warfare, and, recently, to assist in air traffic control and natural disaster relief support.
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“We are pleased that the Greek government and the Hellenic Navy have selected the P-3 Orion MLU to support its maritime patrol needs,” said Dennys Plessas, vice president of Business Development Initiatives at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “The P-3 MLU delivers capability and value to the Hellenic Navy. Greece’s domestic defense industry will absorb approximately 30 percent of the program’s value, driving significant industrial, economic, and technological advantages for the autonomous operation and support of this mission system.”
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In addition to the HAI facilities near Athens, in Schimatari, Greece, work on these P-3Bs will be performed in Marietta, Georgia; Greenville, South Carolina; and Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States.
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“With this program, HAI participates at a program of critically important technical and operational value,” said Zacharias Gkikas, chairman of the Board of Directors for HAI. “HAI welcomes the launch of the program. HAI’s management and employees will work effectively together for to deliver the best possible results to the Greek government and the Hellenic Navy.”
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Learn more about the P-3 Orion at
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About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.
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About Hellenic Aerospace Industry
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Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A., established on 1975, is the leading aerospace company of Greece, having as a mission to deliver defense and aerospace services and products to the Hellenic State, as well as to a wide range of domestic and international customers of both military and civil markets.
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Royal New Zealand Air Force holds bomb training
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Article, photos, and video:

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NZ Air Force helps save two survivors from missing plane in Hawaii
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stuff.co.nz
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July 16 2016
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A training exercise turned into a dramatic rescue for a Royal New Zealand Air Force crew who helped save two survivors from a plane crash.
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While in Hawaii, the RNZAF P-3K2 Orion was called in to help in the search for two people whose light aircraft disappeared off the radar about 25 miles northwest of Kona, the Big Island.
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The Orion was diverted to the search on Friday and the two missing people spent 22 hours in the ocean before they were found and winched to safety by a helicopter about 9.45am on Saturday.
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Commanding Officer of No 5 Squadron wing commander Daniel Hunt said it was great for the Orion crew to be able to help their U.S. colleagues.
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"The successful rescue of these two people is fantastic," he said. "We spend a good number of flying hours each year on such missions and sometimes we don't get the result that we and those at home hoping for good news would like."
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The Orion was due to resume RIMPAC activities on Sunday, operating from its U.S. base at Kaneohe Bay.
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ABC News reported that search crews were inspecting debris spotted in Hawaiian waters, which they believe could be from the missing plane.
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U.S. P-3C Orion and Crew to Participate in Bulgarian Exercise Breeze 2016

Story Number: NNS160718-09
Release Date: 7/18/2016 10:02:00 AM

From Patrol Squadron 4 Public Affairs

COSTANTA, Romania (NNS) — A U.S. Navy P-3C Orion from VP-4 arrived in Constanta, Romania on July 11 to conduct two training flights as part of exercise Breeze 2016.

Breeze 2016 is an annual Bulgarian naval exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability among participating naval units and staffs. U.S. and Black Sea allies Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, and other NATO participants will exercise tactics, techniques, and procedures in order to enhance interoperability and combined capability to ensure security and stability in the Black Sea.

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“Increasing our anti-submarine warfare capabilities with NATO allies, like Bulgaria, is priority for our fleet and the Alliance. Training with Black Sea allies and partners represents an enduring mission for 6th Fleet and we are excited for the opportunity for the U.S. P-3C Orion to participate in exercise Breeze 2016.” – Capt. Bryan Durkee, Commodore, CTF 67

Quick Facts:

Breeze 2016 exercise reflects contemporary challenges threatening maritime security. The exercise scenario is completely fictitious and is not intended to resemble a real situation.

VP-4 is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
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VIRIN: 141115-N-IY142-309

A U.S. Navy P-3C Orion from the “Skinny Dragons” of VP-4 conducts a fly-by with USS Cole (DDG 67) on November 20, 2014. Cole, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer homeported in Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class John Herman/Released)

A larger, high-res version wasn’t available.
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Canada’s Eyes in the Skies over Iraq Get Sharper

RCAF

July 14, 2016

When CP-140 Aurora aircrew flying over Iraq share points of interest with their Coalition partners, they now have a tool that allows the coalition to engage those points of interest with even greater accuracy.

Members of the Long-Range Patrol Detachment of the Air Task Force say this added accuracy allows Coalition aircraft to engage ISIL targets more quickly, more effectively, and in a way where safety is optimized for both friendly forces and non-combatants alike.

“We can share highly-accurate and timely information regarding points of interest with our Coalition partners,” said a member of the LRP Detachment. “It helps keep friendly troops safe while minimizing the possibility of collateral damage, which is something of the greatest concern to the Government of Iraq and the Coalition.”

The CP-140 Auroras deployed on Operation IMPACT have conducted over 500 surveillance missions since they started flying on October 30, 2014 in support of the Global Coalition fighting ISIL. With their array of sensors and skilled aircrew, the LRP Detachment has helped the Coalition find, develop, and deliberately engage targets that have had a strategic effect on ISIL. CP-140s flying over Iraq have also found targets on the battlefield for other Coalition aircraft to strike in order to provide air support to Iraqi Security Forces — a process called “dynamic targeting”.

Until now, making sure that everyone was looking at the same thing the aircrew had identified took time, skill, and intense coordination. One aircrew likened it to looking at the ground through a straw and trying to guide other coalition assets towards the target, who themselves were looking at the ground through their own straws.

“It was more difficult because you had to provide qualitative information to get people onto what you were looking at,” said a member of the ATF headquarters. “You really had to ‘talk’ people onto the target in cities because so many buildings look alike.”

Enter the Precision Strike Suite — Special Operations Forces software. PSS-SOF is already in use by the Royal Canadian Artillery among their Joint Terminal Attack Controllers to guide indirect fire onto targets with significant accuracy. It works with sensory data and provides accurate Global Positioning System coordinates to what the operator sees on the screen.

Identified as an urgent requirement by the ATF last January, PSS-SOF was tested, approved, installed, and aircrew were trained to operate it in a little over four months. One CP-140 aircrew noted how they can do their job more quickly and with greater confidence.

“What used to take minutes is now a matter of seconds,” he said. “When I give somebody the coordinates of what I’m looking at, I know they will be looking at the same thing. More accurate means safer for friendly forces and civilians — you hit only what you want to hit.”

The CP-140 Aurora is historically a maritime surveillance aircraft that worked jointly with the Royal Canadian Navy. While CP-140s were used as surveillance platforms over primarily coastal areas of Libya during Operation MOBILE in 2011, Operation IMPACT is the first environment where it has been used in a purely overland surveillance role. The integration of PSS-SOF into the aircraft’s sensory toolbox continues the improvement of overland surveillance capabilities of the CP-140.

“From a combined arms point of view, having that kind of capability on an airborne surveillance platform is very valuable to Canadian joint operations,” said one of the Royal Canadian Artillery instructors deployed to Operation IMPACT to conduct in-theatre training on PSS-SOF. “The more accurate the information provided the better.”

The integration of the PSS-SOF software is one of a number of new capabilities being integrated as part of the LRP Roadmap devised for the CP-140. Future software and hardware capabilities will be integrated in the near future as the aircraft evolves in its overland role and increases its overall mission effectiveness.
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KW05-2016-0088-008

A CP-140 Aurora on 25 June 2016 after a mission during Operation IMPACT in Kuwait. (Photo: Op Impact, DND)
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Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
s/n 140117
c/n 285B-5723
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KW05-2016-0102-016

(Photo has been digitally altered due to OPSEC.) – A tactical communications officer sends communication messages while conducting a surveillance mission over Iraq in a CP-140 Aurora on 8 July 2016 during Operation IMPACT. (Photo: Op Impact, DND)
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KW05-2016-0102-024

The Commanding Officer of the Long-Range Patrol Detachment looks out the port window of a CP-140 Aurora during a surveillance mission over Iraq during Operation IMPACT on 8 July 2016. (Photo: Op Impact, DND)
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20160706ran8118679_030

The crew of an AP-3C Orion from 11 Squadron unload cargo after arriving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay for Exercise RIMPAC 2016. The Australian Defence Force is deploying three ships, three aircraft, and more than 1650 personnel to take part in RIMPAC 2016 off the coast of Hawaii and California. (RAN photo by LSIS Lee-Anne Mack, Navy Imagery Unit - West)

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20160706ran8118679_095

Three AP-3C Orions from 11 Squadron on the flightline after arrival at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay for Exercise RIMPAC 2016. The Australian Defence Force is deploying three ships, three aircraft, and more than 1650 personnel to take part in RIMPAC 2016 off the coast of Hawaii and California. (RAN photo by LSIS Lee-Anne Mack, Navy Imagery Unit - West)

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VIRIN: 160706-N-DC018-062

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii — (July 6, 2016) — One of three Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orions from 11 Squadron arrives at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay for Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to August 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Antonio Turretto Ramos/Released)

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20160630raaf8298528_0046

A No. 10 Squadron AP-3C Orion takes off from RAAF Base Townsville in support of Exercise Angel Reign 16. (RAAF photo by CPL Glen McCarthy, 27SQN ABCP)

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20160701raaf8298528_0037

A No. 10 Squadron AP-3C Orion prepares to drop a helibox containing drinkable water for a downed pilot in open water off the coast of Townsville during Exercise Angel Reign 16. (RAAF photo by CPL Glen McCarthy, 27SQN ABCP)

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RCAF participates in United Kingdom’s Royal International Air Tattoo

News Article / July 6, 2016

14 Wing Greenwood

A CP-140 Aurora aircraft and crew from 415 Long-Range Patrol Squadron, located at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, are participating in the Royal International Air Tattoo from July 7 to 9, 2016, in Fairford, U.K.

“We are very pleased to be participating in the Royal International Air Tattoo with the CP-140M Aurora, one of the world’s leading surveillance and long-range patrol aircraft,” said Colonel Pat Thauberger, the commander of 14 Wing. “With Canada’s vast maritime and Arctic domains to protect, including the wide variety of missions that we do both domestically and internationally, the Aurora’s top-notch crew and modernized sensors deliver exceptional battle-space information in near real-time, enabling Commanders to engage decisively in any mission. They will do Canada proud in demonstrating this capability amongst our allies and partners.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo occurs annually in Fairford and reunites close to 50 Air Forces from around the world, including their chiefs or their delegates.

The Royal Canadian Air Force, including 14 Wing, routinely conducts operations and exercises with the British Armed Forces as part of a long-standing and mutually-beneficial defence partnership.

The CP-140M Aurora participating in the Royal International Air Tattoo is a Block III (modernized) aircraft, crewed with 14 RCAF and Royal Air Force (on exchange with the RCAF) personnel, who train and operate together while stationed at 415 Squadron. The Aurora, acquired for the maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare roles, functions primarily as a command, control, communication, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) platform for domestic and international operations. The aircraft enables the Government of Canada to project deterrence, to control illegal or hostile activity anywhere in Canada's remote regions and has been playing an increasing role as an overland Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platform for security operations overseas.

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GD2011-0698-018

A CP-140M Aurora and crew from 415 Long-Range Patrol Squadron at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia are participating in the Royal International Air Tattoo from July 7 to 9, 2016 at RAF Fairford, U.K. In this file photo, an Aurora from 14 Wing flies over the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. (PHOTO: Master Corporal Johanie Maher)



s/n 140102
c/n 285B-5689

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Related Links:

14 Wing Greenwood


CP-140 Aurora


RIAT


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VIRIN: 160617-N-IL474-189

SOUDA BAY, Greece — (June 17, 2016) — Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Tyler Hoglund stands by in front of an EP-3E Orion assigned to the “World Watchers” of VQ-1 while conducting routine maintenance procedures. VQ-1 is based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy Photo by Heather Judkins/Released)

A much larger, high-res version can be viewed or downloaded here:

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Lockheed P-3C-120-LO Orion; converted to EP-3E CILOP/Aries II
BuNo 157318
c/n 285A-5533
PR-318
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