Norway Welcomes Its Inaugural P-8A: Assembly Begins!
The inaugural P-8A Poseidon fuselage intended for Norway arrived today at Boeing’s facilities in Renton, Washington, transported from Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas. This event signifies a crucial achievement in the assembly of the initial five Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
A variant of the Boeing 737 Next-Generation passenger jet, the P-8 is initially constructed on Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ 737 assembly line, where the fuselage is outfitted with additional wiring and systems required for military operations and components. Subsequently, the aircraft is handed over to Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division for the integration of military systems, thorough testing, and final delivery to defense clients.
“Boeing employs a proven, streamlined production method to effectively manufacture the aircraft,” stated Christian Thomsen, P-8A Europe program manager. “Utilizing established best practices and reliable, commercial production tools allows the team to minimize production time and expenses while guaranteeing quality and timely delivery to our clients.”
Norway is anticipated to receive its first P-8 later this year. Ultimately, five P-8s will succeed Norway’s existing inventory of six P-3 Orions and three DA-20 Jet Falcons, enhancing capabilities to ensure situational awareness in adjacent waters, both on and beneath the ocean surface.
So far, Boeing has successfully delivered 104 P-8 aircraft to the U.S. Navy and international clients in Australia, India, and the United Kingdom.
