The
P-8A Poseidon jet, a replacement maritime patrol aircraft for the P-3C
Orion, made its Rim
of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise debut this year, flown by two
air crews from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 at Marine Corps
Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, during the 23rd edition of the biennial
exercise.
"While the P-3C Orion is a very forgiving aircraft and has served the fleet very well, the P-8A Poseidon is easier to fly, trims well, and handles flawlessly [at low altitude]," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Artis, VX-1 maintenance officer and integrated training team pilot. "It's easy to maneuver, and the situational awareness in the cockpit is unlike anything I've ever seen before. Getting used to the technology and the different displays can be a challenge, but overall it's fun to fly." The VX-1 crews flew two P-8As during 24 exercise events ranging from routine test flights to simulated anti-submarine warfare. VX-1 officials said training requirements are extensive in the P-8A because of the complexity and the speed of the aircraft, and that RIMPAC provided extensive, open airspace and a robust exercise schedule where the squadron could demonstrate the capability of the new aircraft. |
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 Two P-8A Poseidons and 10 P-3 Orions stand aligned on the tarmac during exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Seeber/Released) |
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