With 10 P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft already delivered and a new production contract in hand, Boeing is poised to continue its efforts to provide the U.S. Navy with a plane that will form the backbone of its future anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability.

Recently, the U.S. Navy awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to build an additional 13 P-8As, bringing the total number of aircraft on order to 37. The Navy plans to acquire 117 P-8As to replace its P-3 fleet. Boeing delivered the first production aircraft to the Navy in March 2012.

Based on its Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airliner, the P-8 reflects a breakthrough both in capability and production methods. Boeing is building this “military derivative” aircraft with an in-line process that’s an industry first. This means that Boeing produces the aircraft with all of its military modifications at the same time instead of applying them separately. The result is that the Navy is receiving exactly the aircraft it needs, on cost and on schedule.

For more information on the P-8, click here.