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A Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora takes off from the inner runway during Exercise MAPLE FLAG at 4 Wing Cold Lake on June 7, 2016. (Photo: Cpl Ian Thompson, 4 Wing Imaging)

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




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IMP Aerospace delivers final P-3C Orion aircraft with new wings to the Royal Norwegian Air Force

HALIFAX, June 16, 2016 /CNW/ — IMP Aerospace announced the delivery today of the final re-winged P-3 Orion aircraft to the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF), marking the successful completion of this multi-year program. These aircraft are very similar to the Canadian CP-140 Aurora aircraft, which are also receiving new wings, as well as mission system upgrades as part of a mid-life upgrade being undertaken at IMP Aerospace under a separate contract.

The wing replacement is part of the Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP), which also includes the replacement of the center wing lower surface and horizontal stabilizer. Under this program, all life-limiting components are replaced with new materials incorporating advanced alloys, yielding a five-fold increase in corrosion resistance and resulting in a significant reduction in future maintenance and operating costs.

The ASLEP(N) contract was awarded to IMP in February 2008, to refit the entire RNoAF fleet of six P-3 Orion aircraft. The contract was administered through the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), making this a government-to-government arrangement.

David Gossen, IMP Aerospace & Defence President, stated, "We are very pleased to successfully complete this complex modification program on the RNoAF P-3 Orion fleet. During the course of this multi-year program, we have continued to strengthen our long-standing relationship with the RNoAF as their provider of in-depth maintenance and engineering services. This work, in parallel with a similar program we are conducting for the Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora fleet, has helped provide us with international recognition as a world-class organization for completing aircraft life extensions and mission modifications. Our company has made a significant investment in this program, including the construction of a purpose-built hangar and specialized tooling. In addition, thousands of hours of hands-on experience and the development of hundreds of engineered solutions serve to assure potential clients of our capabilities and competencies in conducting major upgrade programs, opening the door for new export opportunities."

Lockheed Martin assembled the replacement wings and other components — some of which were fabricated in Canada — for the Norwegian P-3s at its facility in Marietta, Georgia, USA. The completed assemblies were then shipped to IMP for installation on the aircraft.

"Norway was the launch customer for the P-3 Mid-Life Upgrade program eight years ago," said Mark Jarvis, Lockheed Martin Director, Maritime Mission Programs. "Through the collective efforts of everyone on this government-contractor team, we've enabled Norway to retain and extend the capability of its Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Forces for years to come. This completion of the Norwegian P-3 fleet marks an important milestone."

IMP Aerospace, an operating unit of IMP Aerospace & Defence, is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. IMP Aerospace & Defence, a wholly-owned business unit of IMP Group Limited, employs over 2,400 technical staff in operations across Canada, providing full in-service support, engineering, as well as advanced manufacturing capability to the global military and commercial aerospace sectors.

For additional information, visit our website:

SOURCE: IMP GROUP LTD.
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Web Site:
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VIRIN: 160614-N-KS227-090

ROTA, Spain — (June 14, 2016) — A P-3C Orion assigned to VP-4 prepares to depart from Naval Station Rota to conduct both maritime domain awareness flights and anti-submarine warfare training. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Warfare Operator 2nd Class Clifford Rau/Released)

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

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Lockheed P-3C-135-LO Orion; converted to P-3C-IIIR, then to P-3C AIP
BuNo 158222
c/n 285A-5567
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Vietnam, South Korea may buy Lockheed planes amid Chinese buildup
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By Andrea Shalal
Reuters
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June 5, 2016
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BERLIN — Vietnam and South Korea are looking seriously at buying refurbished Lockheed Martin Corp P-3 and S-3 maritime surveillance planes to counter China's military buildup and repeated North Korean missile launches, the company said.
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Vietnam is expected to request formal pricing and availability data on four to six older U.S. Navy P-3 Orion aircraft in the next few months, Clay Fearnow, a senior executive with Lockheed Martin's aeronautics division, told Reuters at the Berlin air show last week.
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The Obama administration's move to completely lift its arms embargo on Vietnam last month paved the way for such a sale, but any deal would still have to be carefully reviewed by the U.S. government, according to U.S. and Lockheed Martin officials.
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A senior Vietnamese military official told Reuters over the weekend that significant weapons purchases are some way off.
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"We are not sure what we can buy from the U.S. or what we want to buy," Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh said in some of the first public comments from a Vietnamese defense official since the embargo was lifted.
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Washington's decision to permit lethal arms sales to Vietnam, its former enemy, underscored both countries' shared concerns about China's growing military clout.

Vietnam, which borders China, is also a key part of President Barack Obama's efforts to rebalance U.S. strategy toward Asia amid worries about Beijing's assertiveness and sovereignty claims to 80 percent of the South China Sea.
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If the sale goes through, retired U.S. Navy P-3 turboprop planes now parked in a desert would be rebuilt with new wings, a new mission system, and anti-submarine warfare equipment for Vietnam, Fearnow said.
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The cost could exceed the $80 million to $90 million price tag for each of the 12 P-3s rebuilt for Taiwan several years ago, given the added equipment, Fearnow said.
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Lockheed Martin has built new wings or rebuilt aircraft for over 90 P-3 aircraft around the world, including the United States, Norway, Taiwan, Chile, and Germany, since 2008, with some orders still in the works, Fearnow said.

The company is scrambling to drum up more orders and extend its wing production line in Marietta, Georgia.
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Brazil and South Korea are each looking at ordering new wings for existing aircraft, but must decide by September 1 to avoid a potentially costly gap in the supply chain for the wings, he said.
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Boeing Co is also marketing its P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance plane, but it is significantly newer and more expensive than the P-3. Another possible competitor is Airbus Group SE's C295 plane, which is built in Spain.

The U.S. State Department said it could not comment on potential P-3 or S-3 sales until it formally notifies the U.S. Congress.
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In addition to South Korea's interest in new wings for eight of its P-3s, Seoul is also looking at acquiring 12 of the U.S. Navy's S-3 aircraft, which were retired in 2009 and are now parked in a desert, Fearnow said.
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He said Spain, Portugal, and Argentina also had P-3 aircraft that could use new wings, but those countries all face budget pressures. Japan, which has about 100 P-3 aircraft, is replacing them with its own P-1 aircraft and the U.S. Navy is replacing its P-3 fleet with the Boeing P-8s.
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The Philippines also wants to expand its maritime surveillance capabilities, but is still defining its requirements, Fearnow said.

(Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Mary Milliken)
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159319 LN-48 P-3C Orion
VP-45
Tu-142 Bear F
AVMF
no date
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The date is very easy to find. This is just the first of more than 130?hits on Google:

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It was taken on January 1, 1986 and it's a DoD photo (1986-DN-SC-87-00265), which is also easily found and included.
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Jeff
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VIRIN: 160605-N-AL293-090

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany — (June 5, 2016) — VP-4’s P-3C Orion aircraft (left) parked alongside VP-62’s P-3C (center) and VP-26’s P-8A Poseidon as the squadrons prepare for BALTOPS 2016. BALTOPS is an annual recurring multinational exercise designed to improve interoperability, enhance flexibility, and demonstrate the resolve of allied and partner nations to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Menhardt/Released)

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

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VP-4 Participates in Maritime Domain Awareness Exercise in Romania

Story Number: NNS160603-03
Release Date: 6/3/2016 8:36:00 AM

By Lt. j.g. Matthew Johnston
Patrol Squadron 4 Public Affairs

CONSTANTA, Romania (NNS) — The “Skinny Dragons” of VP-4 participated in a Maritime Domain Awareness exercise in Constanta, Romania from May 26 to 30.

One P-3C Orion aircraft with Combat Aircrew 5 flew two missions over the Black Sea in support of MDA.

Quotes:

“These routine operations and interactions with our allies are a vital part of our mission to enhance maritime safety and stability in the Black Sea. We are extremely grateful to our Romanian hosts for their hospitality and assistance in ensuring our continued success operating in the region.” – Lt. Greg Syers, CAC-5 Mission commander and detachment officer-in-charge

Quick Facts:

U.S. P-3C operations provide support to our allies and partners in the region and enhance the combined maritime operational picture in the Black Sea. While in Constanta, the P-3C will conduct a bilateral training engagement with the Romanian Navy and offer familiarization flights to Romanian personnel in order to increase combined anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

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. 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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“Skinny Dragons” 2016: El Salvador Detachment

Story Number: NNS160602-23
Release Date: 6/2/2016 2:41:00 PM

By Lt. j.g. Hunter Broten
Patrol Squadron 4 Public Affairs

COMALAPA, El Salvador (NNS) — The “Skinny Dragons” of VP-4 are conducting 2016 deployment operations after performing upgrades and completing personnel qualifications, resulting in 12 combat-ready aircrews and an adept maintenance department prepared for the squadron’s multi-site deployment.

This deployment consists of visiting past deployment sites of Sigonella, Sicily and Djibouti, Africa. Additionally, the squadron detached multiple crews to Comalapa, El Salvador to conduct maritime interdiction operations (MIO) in support of Operation Martillo.

“Our crews and maintainers have worked hard and prepared diligently for this deployment,” said Officer in Charge Lt. Cmdr. John Houston. “They are truly excited to hit the ground running.”

VP-4’s El Salvador detachment consists of three combat aircrews and nearly 40 maintenance personnel working at Cooperative Security Location Comalapa. The assets stationed at CSL Comalapa are a small piece of a larger operation led by Joint Interagency Task Force South to detect and deter drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific and Western Caribbean.

For 20 years, JIATF-South has been instrumental in combatting the threat of narcoterrorism in the region. The task force consists of the Department of Defense, FBI, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol working cohesively to provide widespread coverage on land and at sea using various assets. Since 2003, maritime patrol squadrons have deployed aircrews flying the P-3C Orion in support of JIATF-South.

“This is the third time I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in the JIATF-South/4th Fleet mission,” said Houston. “If this is anything like the past, I look forward to an immensely rewarding experience and, so far, the aircrews have been immensely successful in their missions.”

The capabilities of the P-3C make it an outstanding platform for MIO. Its sensor capabilities and extended ranges allow it to cover wide swaths of the ocean, identifying surface ships and suspicious activities at various altitudes. Accurate identification and plotting of surface shipping traffic allows Orion crews to vector Coast Guard assets into position to conduct boarding operations and seizures.

Mission Commander Lt. j.g. Sarah Freshwater shared her perspective on how well the P-3C works in coordination with other military air assets supporting JIATF-S.

“This unique mission set provides our crews with opportunities to work hand-in-hand with multiple platforms all focused on suppressing drug operations in [U.S. Southern Command],” said Freshwater.

So far into the deployment, VP-4, in conjunction with surface units including Navy warships and Coast Guard cutters with deployed law enforcement detachments, are credited with drug busts totaling over 11,900 kg. of cocaine worth more than $230 million and detaining 29 suspected smugglers.

The P-3C Orion’s mission in El Salvador is a far cry from the submarine-hunting skillset for which the aircraft is known. However, the versatility of the platform’s capabilities and the skill of the aircrew make it a perfect fit for JIATF-South’s mission.

As summer continues on, the squadron is continuously working to refine its mission and become even more proficient in countering the efforts of drug traffickers in the region.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean and Central and South American regions.

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VIRIN: 150609-N-MV308-001

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii — (June 9, 2015) — Sailors assigned to the “Skinny Dragons” of VP-4 perform a man-on-the-stand coordinated check on a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Coordinated checks are done on a routine basis to ensure proper functioning of the aircraft and continued mission readiness and performance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Porter/Released)

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




Lockheed P-3C-125-LO Orion; modified as P-3C-IIIR, then P-3C AIP
BuNo 157331
YD-331
c/n 285A-5546

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First Boeing P-8A for Australia Has Flown

by Mike Yeo
AINonline
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May 31, 2016
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The first Boeing P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft destined for the Royal Australian Air Force made its first flight last week. The event illustrates Australia’s effort to enhance its maritime domain awareness and security against a backdrop of the rise of China and India. The country’s recent Defence White Paper emphasized the safeguarding of its maritime approaches, offshore territories and borders, and supporting a “secure nearer region, encompassing maritime Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.”
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The aircraft flew a short distance from Renton Airfield to Boeing Field in Seattle, where its sophisticated systems will be installed before the aircraft is handed over to the RAAF and delivered to Australia in November. Australia has ordered eight P-8As under Project AIR 7000, but the White Paper stated an intention to eventually operate 15 aircraft by the early 2020s. The Poseidons will replace the RAAF’s AP-3C Orions, which will be fully withdrawn from service in 2019.
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In addition to the P-8As, Australia has also flagged the acquisition of the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (HALE UAV) to enter service in the early 2020s. Seven will be acquired to complement the P-8As in conducting long-endurance overwater surveillance operations.
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Other than the P-8As and Tritons, the Defence White Paper has also indicated some of Australia’s procurement priorities over the next decade. The RAAF will also acquire three more Gulfstream G550s converted to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (ISREW) aircraft. These will add to two aircraft announced in 2015 and will be used to enhance electronic warfare support to naval, air, and land operations.
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The White Paper also envisions a further boost to the RAAF’s heavy-lift capability. Australia currently has eight Boeing C-17A strategic airlifters and it is not yet clear what form this enhanced heavy-lift capability will take as C-17 production has ended, but second-hand C-17s (if available) and the Airbus A400M Atlas are possible solutions.
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Australia’s rotary-wing fleet has also been slated for expansion in the White Paper. Combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopters will be acquired, plus light reconnaissance and attack helicopters to support special operations. The latter will be acquired from around 2025, with the ability for rapid deployment of three to four at a time, plus personnel, by C-17s. The Boeing AH-6i and MD Helicopters MD530 have been cited as possible contenders, but the Airbus Helicopters H145M could also be in the running.

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ViaSat small tactical terminal selected for CP-140 Aurora aircraft
The ViaSat Small Tactical Terminal was selected for use on the CP-140 Aurora aircraft used by the Royal Canadian Air Force.

ViaSat Press Release

ViaSat Inc., a global broadband services and technology company, and General Dynamics Mission Systems – Canada, announced the ViaSat Small Tactical Terminal – KOR-24A – (STT) was selected for use on the CP-140 Aurora aircraft (a Lockheed Martin P-3 variant), used by the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The RCAF leverages the CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft as a "command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance" (C4ISR) platform.

The Aurora fleet is used for domestic and international operations across a wide variety of disciplines, including domestic surveillance of the Canadian Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, as well as anti-surface warfare, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), strike coordination, and search and rescue missions.

Specific selection of the ViaSat STT was made in recognition of the terminal's ability to meet ongoing mission needs while satisfying deployment and fielding requirements, such as interoperability across all other Link 16 enabled platforms (Halifax-class Frigates, CF-188 Hornets and fixed/mobile ground stations), affordability, exportability, as well as immediate terminal availability.

ViaSat brings real-time combat communications with its two-channel, software-defined STT. The low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) STT enables the CP-140 Aurora aircraft to maintain constant presence on the Link 16 network while simultaneously operating voice and data connections on a second channel.

The terminal offers an affordable, ruggedized, compact form factor that highlights both innovative design and usability.

"This is a monumental award for ViaSat as it represents our first STT award to be used by the Department of National Defence as well as marks the CP-140 Aurora as a new airborne platform for our STT," said Ken Peterman, senior vice-president, Government Systems Division, ViaSat.

"In working with General Dynamics Mission Systems – Canada, we are enabling a key coalition partner, the Department of National Defence, to meet the ongoing needs of their missions in a timely manner. By embedding our proven Link 16 STT into the CP-140 Aurora fleet, these aircraft will now find themselves in the 'heart of the action' during critical coalition missions, as the Link 16 platform provides advanced communications with real-time situational awareness and location data and simultaneous voice or data communication on two key waveforms at the battlefield's edge."

Availability

Deliveries for the ViaSat STT on the CP-140 Aurora fleet began in March 2016. The new STT is on display this week at Canada's Global Defence and Security trade show: CANSEC, May 25 to 26, 2016, in the JPOM/ViaSat booth #826.

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VIRIN: 160519-N-YZ751-122

SIGONELLA, Sicily — (May 19, 2016) — A P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft from the "Skinny Dragons" of VP-4 takes off from NAS Sigonella, Sicily to support the search for EgyptAir flight MS804. The U.S. Navy is providing a P-3 Orion in support of the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Greece in response to a request by the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece for assistance in the search for the missing Egyptian aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis/Released)

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

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Lockheed P-3C-175-LO Orion; converted to P-3C-IIIR, then to P-3C AIP
BuNo 160287
c/n 285A-5650
YD-287
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20160423ran8504132_207

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K Orion flies beneath a Royal Malaysian Navy Super Lynx helicopter on completion of a passage formation with participating ships of Bersama Shield 2016. HMAS Anzac and her crew of 191 personnel are deployed to South-East Asia to participate in a number of exercises and activities including Exercise Komodo, Bersama Shield, and Indonesian Fleet Review. HMAS Anzac is the first-in-class of the Anzac-class frigates and is capable of operating in a multi-threat environment. Anzac is fitted with an advanced package of air surveillance radars, hull-mounted sonar, and electronic support systems that interface with state-of-the-art Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles and Ship-Launched Torpedoes. The ship can embark a multi-role Seahawk helicopter to enhance anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue capabilities. Embarkation of a helicopter also provides the ship with the capability to deliver air-launched torpedoes. In 2014, Anzac was the third Anzac-class frigate to complete the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, which also provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability. The upgrade showcases Australian design and integration capability, with new phased-array radar technology designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra, upgrades to combat systems performed by Saab Systems in South Australia, and platform integration design by BAE Systems in Victoria. (RAN photo by ABIS Nicolas Gonzalez, Navy Imagery Unit - East)

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



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20131004ran8109938_029

An RAAF E-7A Wedgetail from No. 2 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown joins a line up of four AP-3C Orions from Australia, a P-3 from Pakistan, a Canadian CP-140 Aurora, an RAAF King Air 350, three Australian Army Kiowas, and a Catalina “American flying boat” on the hardstand at HMAS Albatross. They will be conducting a flypast over Sydney during the International Fleet Review, which will be held from 3-11 October 2013 to commemorate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet into Sydney on 4 October 1913. Approximately 40 warships from the Royal Australian Navy and navies from around the world, as well as up to 17 tall ships, are participating in the event. The program includes a tall ships parade, warship arrival, aerial flypasts, ship open days, street marches, harbour demonstrations, and a fireworks spectacular. (RAN photo by LSIS Yuri Ramsey, Navy Imagery Unit - Albatross)

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

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