// P-3K2 Orion Progress Report

Update: August 2010

The RNZAF’s P-3K2, with its enhanced capability, is now within sight of its next major milestone which is acceptance by the Ministry of Defence.  The prototype aircraft, Orion

NZ4204, is still undergoing the Acceptance Testing and Evaluation (AT&E) process at the L3 Communication Systems facility in Greenville, Texas.  Meanwhile, the first production airframe, NZ4201, was inducted into Safe Air Ltd at Blenheim in June 2009 and is well down the path of modification to the P-3K2 standard.  The current schedule shows that both of these aircraft will be delivered to the RNZAF towards the end of this year.  Once the aircraft are again resident at 5 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland, both will commence a period of Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E) prior to graduating to operational capability outputs.

The AT&E process is progressing well with some disruption caused by project

and non project issues.  With the majority of these issues non resolved Orion NZ4204 is back into the flight testing regime.

During breaks in the AT&E schedule, the majority of the aircrew and ground crew deployed to Texas were able to make a brief visit back to NZ to spend some time with their families and to catch up on some flight and personal currency requirements. It was also good for the crew that have remained at home in NZ to catch up with the rest of the team and to get a face-to-face update on project issues.

Back in New Zealand progress towards supporting the new capabilities the P-3K2 will deliver continue to be developed. This includes the development of communications and mission support infrastructure. Additionally, training development continues

to transition current P-3K crews to the new airframe as well development of future air and ground crews operational conversion courses.

Rather than just a new aircraft, the P-3K2 brings a completely modernised capability that requires the support of not only the RNZAF but other NZDF and Government of New Zealand (GONZ) agencies.  As the new capability is just around the corner, the wider RNZAF community and GONZ Agencies are taking a coordinated approach to ensure the aircraft delivers what it was designed to - in the context of the defence of New Zealand, support to Government agencies and New Zealand’s contribution to the wider global community.

P-3K Orion Specifications

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)