Fri, Jul 16, 2010
Modernization Program Largely Replaces The Aircraft's
Wings
The first Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion with new Mid-Life Upgrade
(MLU) enhancements was delivered to U.S. Customs and Border
Protection officials in ceremonies at Greenville, SC, Tuesday. The
newly re-winged P-3 will soon make its first flight and will
immediately be a game-changer for U.S. Customs and Border
Protection. This aircraft is the first of many that will benefit
with increased availability and reliability for critical homeland
security missions.
DBP P-3 Orion File Photo
"The P-3 Orion is unsurpassed in its flexibility in maritime
patrol and reconnaissance," said Ralph Heath, president of Lockheed
Martin Aeronautics. "The Mid-Life Upgrade will ensure this national
asset continues to provide second-to-none service for the next 20
years."
The P-3 MLU program replaces the aircraft outer wings, center
wing lower surface and horizontal stabilizer with new production
components. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will receive up to
14 upgraded P-3s for deliveries planned through 2015. This first
CBP MLU aircraft was completed in 14 months. To date, Lockheed
Martin has 52 MLU kits under contract with six operators from four
nations.
"(W)e are committed to providing them (U.S. Customs and Border
Protection) with modernization enhancements to sustain the P-3 for
decades to come," said Ray Burick, Lockheed Martin P-3 Programs
vice president. "The MLU integrates well with our 10-year site and
depot P-3 Fleet Maintenance Program, now underway with CBP."
The MLU replaces all fatigue-life limiting structure with
enhanced-design components and incorporates a new metal alloy that
is five times more corrosion resistant, greatly reducing the cost
of ownership for P-3 Operators. The MLU removes current aircraft
flight restrictions and extends the structural service life of the
P-3 up to 15,000 hours and adds 20 years of operational use.
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