RAAF P-3C Orion

RAAF Lockheed P-3C Orion

Type:4 engined maritime patrol aircraft

Function:Maritime reconaissance, anti submarine and anti-surface warfare

Crew:13

Powerplants:4 Allison T56-A-14 turboprops rated at 4,600 hp each

Performance:

  • Max Speed: 760km/h
  • Ceiling: 8600m
  • Max Range radius: 3800km
  • Max.Weight: 64410kg

    Dimensions:

  • Wing Span: 30.38m
  • Length: 35.61m
  • Height: 10.27m
  • Wing Area: 120.77m^2

    Armament:

    Ten Underwing hardpoints able to carry

  • Harpoon Anti Shipping Missiles
  • mines
  • rockets can be carried but are not used in Australia

    Internal weapons bay

  • eight torpedos
  • depth charges can be carried but are not used in Australia

    Notes: The orion has been in Australian service since 1968. Initially operating P-3b's, Australia traded them in for the upgraded P-3c in 1984. Operated by No.10 and 11 sqn out of Edinburgh S.A, the P-3C is soon to be upgraded to AP-3C standards with a more advanced radar,acoustic processing, navigation, communications and computer systems. Hopefully this will occur in 1996.

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