P-8 Multimission Maritime Aircraft
Encyclopedia
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly the Multimission Maritime Aircraft or MMA) is a military aircraft
currently being developed for the United States Navy
(USN). The P-8 is being developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800
. It is intended to conduct anti-submarine warfare
(ASW) and shipping interdiction and to engage in an electronic intelligence (ELINT) role. This will involve carrying torpedo
es, depth charge
s, SLAM-ER anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It will also be able to drop and monitor sonobuoy
s. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance
unmanned aerial vehicle
.
, but the project was canceled.
Boeing
and Lockheed Martin
were part of a new competition for a replacement aircraft begun in 2000. Lockheed submitted the Orion 21, an updated, new-build version of the P-3 turboprop
. Boeing submitted a proposal centered around its 737-800
airliner. BAE Systems
offered a new-build version of the Nimrod MRA4
, the newest version of the UK's indigenous jet-powered maritime patrol aircraft. However, BAE withdrew from the competition in October 2002, recognizing the political reality that the failure to find a US-based production partner made the bid unrealistic.
On 14 May 2004, Boeing was selected winner of the competition. The following month the Navy awarded Boeing a development contract for MMA. The project was planned to be for at least 108 airframes for the U.S. Navy. More orders are possible from the other nations operating over 200 P-3s. Project value is expected to be worth at least $15 billion. Raytheon
, Northrop Grumman
, Spirit AeroSystems
, GE Aviation Systems, Marshall Aerospace
, CFMI
, BAE Systems, and Marotta
are major subcontractors. In July 2004 the U.S. Navy placed an order for five MMA aircraft. The first flight-test aircraft was to be delivered in 2009. Initial operating capability is expected in 2013. The first aircraft, a test aircraft, is expected to be converted to production standards at a later date. Boeing's MMA aircraft received the P-8A designation on 30 March 2005.
In mid-2008, the Naval Air Systems Command
(NAVAIR) deleted the requirement for the P-8A to be equipped with magnetic anomaly detection
(MAD) equipment. This was part of a NAVAIR-directed effort to reduce P-8A aircraft weight by 3500 lb (1,587.6 kg) to improve aircraft range and endurance. P-8Is destined for the Indian Navy will continue to retain MAD. The P-8A will use a new hydrocarbon sensor to detect fuel vapors from diesel submarines and other conventionally powered ships.
. A P-8 deployed sonobuoys for the first time on 15 October 2010, dropping six sonobuoys in three separate low altitude passes.
Joint Strike Fighter
(JSF) program, with international cooperation from prospective MMA users. Boeing publicly identified New Zealand as a potential customer, and in a public talk on the 2010 New Zealand Defence Review on 16 December 2010, hosted by the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp
referred to the possibility of purchasing four P-8 aircraft. Italy indicated interest for a purchase of MMA aircraft, with fleet support provided by Alitalia
in 2004. However, in December 2008, Italy announced the purchase of four ATR 72
turboprop aircraft to replace its aging Atlantic Maritime Patrol Aircraft, possibly as a temporary solution because Italy remained interested in the P-8.
The Australian Minister for Defence
announced on 20 July 2007 that the P-8A MMA had been selected as the preferred aircraft to replace the Royal Australian Air Force
's fleet of AP-3C Orion
s in conjunction with a yet-to-be-selected unmanned aerial vehicle
. The last RAAF AP-3C is scheduled to be retired in 2018, after nearly 30 years of service. A memorandum of understanding
(MOU) will be signed that will help Australia to gain access to classified data and help to input specific requirements. In March 2009, Australia's Chief of Air Force stated that subject to anticipated government approval, the RAAF will begin to add the P-8A to their fleet in 2016. Australia and Canada may each pay up to $300 million in order to have first-tier participation in the MMA project.
In January 2008, Boeing proposed the P-8I, a customized export variant of the P-8A, for the Indian Navy
. On 4 January 2009, India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with Boeing for the supply of eight P-8Is at a total cost of US$2.1 billion. These aircraft would replace Indian Navy's aging Tupolev Tu-142
M maritime surveillance turboprops. Each aircraft will cost about US$220 million. The deal makes India the first international customer of the P-8, and also marks Boeing's first military sale to India. On 4 October 2010, India's Defence Acquisition Council of the Ministry of Defence cleared the purchase of four additional P-8Is. The contract details for the additional aircraft was concluded in 2010, and approved by India in March 2011 bringing the total number of aircraft on order to 12.
The Data Link II communications technology for the P-8I was received by Boeing from Bharat Electronics Limited
in April 2010. The communications system will enable exchange of tactical data and messages between Indian Navy aircraft, ships and shore establishments. Boeing will install the system during P-8I final assembly. The IFF
, system from BEL was also handed over to Boeing for integration with P-8I in December 2010. Deliveries of P-8Is are to begin in 2013.
-style raked wingtips, instead of the blended winglets available on 737NG variants. The five operator stations (two Naval Flight Officer
s plus three enlisted Aviation Warfare Operators/Naval Aircrewman) are mounted in a sideways row, along the port side of the cabin. None of these crew stations have windows. One observer window is located on each side of the forward cabin.
The P-8 features the Raytheon APY-10
multi-mission surface search radar. The P-8I will feature an international version of the APY-10. A short bomb bay for torpedoes and other stores opens behind the wing. The aircraft also includes six additional body fuel tanks for extended range from Marshall Aerospace
; three of the tanks are located in the forward cargo compartment and three in the rear.
In U.S. service the Poseidon will be complemented by the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance
UAV
system, which will provide continuous surveillance. The system is expected to enter service around 2010. Around 40 UAVs based on the RQ-4 Global Hawk
will be used in the program. Because of the cancellation of Lockheed Martin
's Aerial Common Sensor
project, Boeing will propose a signals intelligence variant of the P-8 to service the requirement for the U.S. Navy
.
Military aircraft
A military aircraft is any fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft that is operated by a legal or insurrectionary armed service of any type. Military aircraft can be either combat or non-combat:...
currently being developed for the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
(USN). The P-8 is being developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800
Boeing 737 Next Generation
The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as Boeing 737NG, is the name given to the -600/-700/-800/-900 series of the Boeing 737 after the introduction of the -300/-400/-500 Classic series. They are short- to medium-range, narrow-body jet airliners...
. It is intended to conduct anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
(ASW) and shipping interdiction and to engage in an electronic intelligence (ELINT) role. This will involve carrying torpedo
Torpedo
The modern torpedo is a self-propelled missile weapon with an explosive warhead, launched above or below the water surface, propelled underwater towards a target, and designed to detonate either on contact with it or in proximity to it.The term torpedo was originally employed for...
es, depth charge
Depth charge
A depth charge is an anti-submarine warfare weapon intended to destroy or cripple a target submarine by the shock of exploding near it. Most use explosives and a fuze set to go off at a preselected depth in the ocean. Depth charges can be dropped by either surface ships, patrol aircraft, or from...
s, SLAM-ER anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It will also be able to drop and monitor sonobuoy
Sonobuoy
A sonobuoy is a relatively small expendable sonar system that is dropped/ejected from aircraft or ships conducting anti-submarine warfare or underwater acoustic research....
s. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance
Broad Area Maritime Surveillance
Broad Area Maritime Surveillance is a UAV system, which will provide continuous maritime surveillance for the US Navy and complement the 737 based Multimission Maritime Aircraft , the P-8A Poseidon....
unmanned aerial vehicle
Unmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
.
Development
The Lockheed P-3 Orion ASW aircraft has been in service with the USN since 1962. In the mid-1980s the Navy began studies for a replacement aircraft for the P-3 which had its range and time on station capabilities reduced because of increasing weight and was approaching the end of its airframe fatigue life. The Navy specification also required reduced operating and support costs. In 1989 the Navy awarded a fixed-price contract to Lockheed to design and build two prototype aircraft, to be designated the P-7Lockheed P-7
- See also :...
, but the project was canceled.
Boeing
Boeing
The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
and Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
were part of a new competition for a replacement aircraft begun in 2000. Lockheed submitted the Orion 21, an updated, new-build version of the P-3 turboprop
Turboprop
A turboprop engine is a type of turbine engine which drives an aircraft propeller using a reduction gear.The gas turbine is designed specifically for this application, with almost all of its output being used to drive the propeller...
. Boeing submitted a proposal centered around its 737-800
Boeing 737 Next Generation
The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as Boeing 737NG, is the name given to the -600/-700/-800/-900 series of the Boeing 737 after the introduction of the -300/-400/-500 Classic series. They are short- to medium-range, narrow-body jet airliners...
airliner. BAE Systems
BAE Systems
BAE Systems plc is a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, that has global interests, particularly in North America through its subsidiary BAE Systems Inc. BAE is among the world's largest military contractors; in 2009 it was the...
offered a new-build version of the Nimrod MRA4
BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4
The BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 was a maritime patrol and attack aircraft intended to replace the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2. The rebuilt aircraft would have extended the operating life of the Nimrod fleet by several decades and have significantly improved the aircraft by almost doubling the flight...
, the newest version of the UK's indigenous jet-powered maritime patrol aircraft. However, BAE withdrew from the competition in October 2002, recognizing the political reality that the failure to find a US-based production partner made the bid unrealistic.
Raytheon
Raytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
, Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation is an American global aerospace and defense technology company formed by the 1994 purchase of Grumman by Northrop. The company was the fourth-largest defense contractor in the world as of 2010, and the largest builder of naval vessels. Northrop Grumman employs over...
, Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. , based in Wichita, Kansas, is the world's largest first-tier aerostructures manufacturer. The company builds several important pieces of Boeing aircraft, including the fuselage of the 737, portions of the 787 fuselage, and the cockpit of nearly all of its airliners...
, GE Aviation Systems, Marshall Aerospace
Marshall Aerospace
The Marshall companies have been internationally associated with aerospace engineering for nearly a century. The company employs over 1,800 people and is based on an site with of covered hangar space...
, CFMI
CFM International
CFM International is a joint venture between GE Aviation, a division of General Electric of the United States and Snecma, a division of Safran of France...
, BAE Systems, and Marotta
Marotta
Marotta Controls, Inc designs and manufactures fluid control systems, components and actuators designed specifically for the Aerospace, Military, Space and Industrial markets...
are major subcontractors. In July 2004 the U.S. Navy placed an order for five MMA aircraft. The first flight-test aircraft was to be delivered in 2009. Initial operating capability is expected in 2013. The first aircraft, a test aircraft, is expected to be converted to production standards at a later date. Boeing's MMA aircraft received the P-8A designation on 30 March 2005.
In mid-2008, the Naval Air Systems Command
Naval Air Systems Command
The Naval Air Systems Command provides material support for aircraft and airborne weapon systems for the United States Navy. NAVAIR was established in 1966 as the successor to the Navy's Bureau of Naval Weapons . Current Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, is Vice Adm. David Architzel since May...
(NAVAIR) deleted the requirement for the P-8A to be equipped with magnetic anomaly detection
Magnetic anomaly detector
A magnetic anomaly detector is an instrument used to detect minute variations in the Earth's magnetic field. The term refers specifically to magnetometers used by military forces to detect submarines ; the military MAD gear is a descendent of geomagnetic survey instruments used to search for...
(MAD) equipment. This was part of a NAVAIR-directed effort to reduce P-8A aircraft weight by 3500 lb (1,587.6 kg) to improve aircraft range and endurance. P-8Is destined for the Indian Navy will continue to retain MAD. The P-8A will use a new hydrocarbon sensor to detect fuel vapors from diesel submarines and other conventionally powered ships.
Production and testing
The P-8's first flight occurred on 25 April 2009. The second and third P-8s have flown and begun flight testing by early August 2010. On 11 August 2010, the US DoD approved the P-8 for low-rate productionLow rate initial production
Low rate initial production is a term commonly used in military weapon projects/programs to designate the phase of initial, small-quantity production of a weapons systems...
. A P-8 deployed sonobuoys for the first time on 15 October 2010, dropping six sonobuoys in three separate low altitude passes.
Exports and foreign involvement
The U.S. Department of Defense wants to follow a program template similar to that of the F-35 Lightning IIF-35 Lightning II
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability...
Joint Strike Fighter
Joint Strike Fighter Program
Joint Strike Fighter is a development and acquisition program intended to replace a wide range of existing fighter, strike, and ground attack aircraft for the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and their allies. After a competition between the Boeing X-32 and the Lockheed Martin X-35, a...
(JSF) program, with international cooperation from prospective MMA users. Boeing publicly identified New Zealand as a potential customer, and in a public talk on the 2010 New Zealand Defence Review on 16 December 2010, hosted by the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp
Wayne Mapp
Wayne Daniel Mapp is a New Zealand politician, representing the National Party in the New Zealand Parliament. He has served as the MP for the North Shore electorate since the 1996 elections. Before entering politics, he lectured in commercial law at University of Auckland.-Early years:He gained...
referred to the possibility of purchasing four P-8 aircraft. Italy indicated interest for a purchase of MMA aircraft, with fleet support provided by Alitalia
Alitalia
Alitalia - Linee Aeree Italiane S.p.A. , in its later stages known as Alitalia - Linee Aeree Italiane S.p.A. in Extraordinary Administration, was the former Italian flag carrier...
in 2004. However, in December 2008, Italy announced the purchase of four ATR 72
ATR 72
The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop short-haul regional airliner built by the French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR. ATR and Airbus are both built in Toulouse, and share resources and technology...
turboprop aircraft to replace its aging Atlantic Maritime Patrol Aircraft, possibly as a temporary solution because Italy remained interested in the P-8.
The Australian Minister for Defence
Minister for Defence (Australia)
The Minister for Defence of Australia administers his portfolio through the Australian Defence Organisation, which comprises the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force. Stephen Smith is the current Minister.-Ministers for Defence:...
announced on 20 July 2007 that the P-8A MMA had been selected as the preferred aircraft to replace the Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
's fleet of AP-3C Orion
AP-3C Orion
The Lockheed AP-3C Orion is a variant of the P-3 Orion used by the Royal Australian Air Force for tasks such as naval fleet support, maritime surveillance, search and survivor supply and anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare...
s in conjunction with a yet-to-be-selected unmanned aerial vehicle
Unmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
. The last RAAF AP-3C is scheduled to be retired in 2018, after nearly 30 years of service. A memorandum of understanding
Memorandum of understanding
A memorandum of understanding is a document describing a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. It is often used in cases where parties either do not imply a legal commitment or in...
(MOU) will be signed that will help Australia to gain access to classified data and help to input specific requirements. In March 2009, Australia's Chief of Air Force stated that subject to anticipated government approval, the RAAF will begin to add the P-8A to their fleet in 2016. Australia and Canada may each pay up to $300 million in order to have first-tier participation in the MMA project.
In January 2008, Boeing proposed the P-8I, a customized export variant of the P-8A, for the Indian Navy
Indian Navy
The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff , usually a four-star officer in the rank of Admiral, commands the Navy...
. On 4 January 2009, India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with Boeing for the supply of eight P-8Is at a total cost of US$2.1 billion. These aircraft would replace Indian Navy's aging Tupolev Tu-142
Tupolev Tu-142
The Tupolev Tu-142 is a maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft derived from the Tu-95 turboprop strategic bomber. A specialised communications variant designated Tu-142MR was tasked with long-range communications duties with Soviet ballistic missile submarines...
M maritime surveillance turboprops. Each aircraft will cost about US$220 million. The deal makes India the first international customer of the P-8, and also marks Boeing's first military sale to India. On 4 October 2010, India's Defence Acquisition Council of the Ministry of Defence cleared the purchase of four additional P-8Is. The contract details for the additional aircraft was concluded in 2010, and approved by India in March 2011 bringing the total number of aircraft on order to 12.
The Data Link II communications technology for the P-8I was received by Boeing from Bharat Electronics Limited
Bharat Electronics Limited
Bharat Electronics Limited is a state-owned electronics company with about nine factories, and few regional offices in India. It is owned by the Indian Government & primarily manufactures advanced electronic products for the Indian Armed Forces.BEL is one of the eight PSUs under Ministry of...
in April 2010. The communications system will enable exchange of tactical data and messages between Indian Navy aircraft, ships and shore establishments. Boeing will install the system during P-8I final assembly. The IFF
Identification friend or foe
In telecommunications, identification, friend or foe is an identification system designed for command and control. It is a system that enables military and national interrogation systems to identify aircraft, vehicles, or forces as friendly and to determine their bearing and range from the...
, system from BEL was also handed over to Boeing for integration with P-8I in December 2010. Deliveries of P-8Is are to begin in 2013.
Design
The P-8 is a militarized version of the 737-800 with 737-900-based wings. The airframe uses a 737-800-based fuselage that is similar to but longer than the 737-700-based C-40 Clipper. The P-8 has a strengthened fuselage and 767-400ERBoeing 767
The Boeing 767 is a mid-size, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner built by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It was the manufacturer's first wide-body twinjet and its first airliner with a two-crew glass cockpit. The aircraft features two turbofan engines, a supercritical wing, and a conventional tail...
-style raked wingtips, instead of the blended winglets available on 737NG variants. The five operator stations (two Naval Flight Officer
Naval Flight Officer
A Naval Flight Officer is an aeronautically designated commissioned officer in the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps that specializes in airborne weapons and sensor systems. NFOs are not pilots per se, but they may perform many "co-pilot" functions, depending on the type of aircraft...
s plus three enlisted Aviation Warfare Operators/Naval Aircrewman) are mounted in a sideways row, along the port side of the cabin. None of these crew stations have windows. One observer window is located on each side of the forward cabin.
The P-8 features the Raytheon APY-10
AN/APY-10
The AN/APY-10 is a multifunction radar developed by the United States of America.The AN/APY-10 is a development of the AN/APS-137 radar. In comparison to that line it is of reduced size and weight and consumes less power. The radar is optimized for maritime, littoral and overland surveillance. It...
multi-mission surface search radar. The P-8I will feature an international version of the APY-10. A short bomb bay for torpedoes and other stores opens behind the wing. The aircraft also includes six additional body fuel tanks for extended range from Marshall Aerospace
Marshall Aerospace
The Marshall companies have been internationally associated with aerospace engineering for nearly a century. The company employs over 1,800 people and is based on an site with of covered hangar space...
; three of the tanks are located in the forward cargo compartment and three in the rear.
In U.S. service the Poseidon will be complemented by the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance
Broad Area Maritime Surveillance
Broad Area Maritime Surveillance is a UAV system, which will provide continuous maritime surveillance for the US Navy and complement the 737 based Multimission Maritime Aircraft , the P-8A Poseidon....
UAV
Unmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
system, which will provide continuous surveillance. The system is expected to enter service around 2010. Around 40 UAVs based on the RQ-4 Global Hawk
RQ-4 Global Hawk
The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk is an unmanned aerial vehicle used by the United States Air Force and Navy as a surveillance aircraft....
will be used in the program. Because of the cancellation of Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
's Aerial Common Sensor
Aerial Common Sensor
The Lockheed Martin Aerial Common Sensor platform was a reconnaissance aircraft airframe, for the United States Army and Navy. The aircraft would have been able to detect troop movements, intercept enemy communications and radar transmissions, and communicate with other aircraft. It would have had...
project, Boeing will propose a signals intelligence variant of the P-8 to service the requirement for the U.S. Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
.
Variants
- P-8A Poseidon – Production variant for the U.S. Navy.
- P-8I Neptune – Export variant for the Indian NavyIndian NavyThe Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff , usually a four-star officer in the rank of Admiral, commands the Navy...
. - P-8 AGS – Proposed variant for the U.S. Air Force.
Operators
- United States NavyUnited States NavyThe United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
has plans to acquire 117 aircraft.
- Indian NavyIndian NavyThe Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff , usually a four-star officer in the rank of Admiral, commands the Navy...
has 12 aircraft on order with deliveries beginning in 2013.
Specifications (P-8A)
See also
External links
- P-8 NAVAIR page and P-8 fact file on Navy.mil
- MMA Page on Globalsecurity.org
- Boeing P-8A on Defense-Update.com
- P-8 Poseidon God of the Sea site
- "Navy Selects Three Teams To Develop Concepts For Follow-On To EP-3". Defense Daily, 8 February 2008.
- "U.S. OKs record $2.1 billion arms sale to India". Reuters, 16 March 2009
- "EP-X Program Starts To Take Shape". Aviation Week, 12 April 2009.