| Aircraft |
P-3K Orion |
| Manufacturer |
Lockheed (USA) |
| Powered plant |
Four Allison T56-A 14 engines, (4,600 shaft horsepower). |
| Length |
36m (117ft) |
| Wingspan |
30.4m (99ft) |
| Height |
10.3m (34ft) |
| Basic weight |
30,450kgs (67,000lbs) |
| Gross weight |
54,950kgs (127,500lbs) |
| Max fuel |
27300kgs (60,000lbs) |
| Cruising speed |
630km/h (340kts) |
| Ferry range |
approx 7,100km (3,850NM) |
| Typical performance |
Radius of action of 1,850km (1,000NM) with 4 hours on station. Endurance of 15 hrs with two engines shut down to conserve fuel. |
|
Note: All performance figures for still air, ISA conditions with standard fuel reserves. |
| Crew |
Normally 12 comprising of two pilots, two flight engineers, two navigators (including tactical co-ordinator), one air electronics officer and four air electronics operators, one air ordnanceman. Can carry a maximum of 21 personnel including crew. |
| Fleet History |
The RNZAF currently operates six P-3K Orions. It took delivery of five P-3B Orions in 1966 (NZ4201 - NZ4205). In 1985 an ex-RAAF P-3B was purchased (NZ4206)All six Orions were upgraded (avionics and radio systems) under project RIGEL in the early 1980s. Following the upgrade the designation P-3K has been applied to these aircraft. |