Boeing P-8A Poseidon
The Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft are designed primarily for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare as part of the Airborne Surveillance and Response Force (ASRF), which comprises No. 5 Squadron and No.230 (Mission Support) Squadron.
The ASRF P-8A Poseidons conduct maritime surveillance, mission support and intelligence operations, and resource protection in New Zealand’s areas of interest. These areas include the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, the South Pacific and the Southern Ocean.
The P-8A Poseidons support a range of Government agencies, including the Ministry for Primary Industries and New Zealand Customs. These modern and capable aircraft safeguard the security of New Zealand communities and our neighbours 24/7, all year round, with contingency capability for tasks such as support in the event of natural disasters and search and rescue.
They are crewed by No.5 Squadron’s pilots, air warfare officers and air warfare specialists.
Fleet history
In 2018 the Government announced it would purchase four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the United States Government. The four aircraft replaced six P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft that were operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force since the 1960s. The last P-3K2s retired on 31 January 2023.
The first of the new aircraft arrived in New Zealand in December 2022, and the last of the four in December 2023. No. 5 Squadron operates from Base Ohakea.
First flight for the P-8A Poseidon
Specifications
|
Wing span |
123.6ft (37.64m) |
|
Height |
42.1ft (12.83m) |
|
Length |
129.5ft (39.47m) |
|
Propulsion |
Two CFM56-7B engines, 27,300 thrust |
|
Speed |
470kts (903km/hr) |
|
Range |
1200nm with four hours on station |
|
Ceiling |
41,000ft (12,496m) |
|
Crew |
Nine |
|
Max take-off |
189,200lbs (85,820kg) gross weight |
Still want to know more?
Read the 2023 special edition of Air Force News, which focusses on the P-8.
Read online(external link) or download the PDF (PDF, 3.7 MB).