First P-8A Poseidon arrives at VX-30 for Point Mugu range testing

The first P-8A Poseidon ever built has been assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30, known as the Bloodhounds, at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. The aircraft, designated T-1, arrived at the base last week and will support range surveillance and clearance missions over the Point Mugu Sea Range. VX-30 is scheduled to receive a second test P-8A, designated T-2.

Both aircraft will conduct range surveillance and clearance missions as well as dedicated testing for Naval Air Systems Command programs that currently rely on P-3 Orion aircraft, a NAVAIR spokesperson said. T-1 will receive a radar modification to integrate an AN/APY-10 maritime search radar. T-2 will remain unmodified.

Raytheon’s AN/APY-10 is the standard radar on operational P-8As. The two P-8As are expected to reduce sustainment costs and increase availability compared with the four P-3 aircraft VX-30 currently operates. They will also help address manning challenges after the Navy’s Fleet Replacement Squadron and operational P-3 squadrons transitioned to the P-8 or were decommissioned.

VX-30’s other aircraft include KC-130T Hercules tanker/transports, one NC-20G jet, and one NC-37B jet. The NC-37B replaced an NP-3D Orion variant nicknamed the Billboard. Squadron aircraft are equipped with radars, cameras, and data-sharing suites to collect imagery and telemetry during tests and to pass information to land-based facilities.

The P-8A can refuel in mid-air via boom-equipped tankers, a capability the P-3 lacks. VX-30 aircraft also deploy to range complexes around Hawaii and off the coast of Florida. T-1 made its maiden flight in 2009.

The Navy took delivery of its last new-production P-3C in 1990, and the youngest P-3 Orion still flying is 36 years old.